When we built a house some years ago, our yard had very few trees and a new sod lawn that struggled to survive in the Virginia summer heat. We discovered that one corner of the yard pooled up with water when it rained, so we chose to plant a river birch there. While the lawn baked during periods of heat and drought, that river birch thrived!
Our reading offers two contrasting images— one of a stunted desert shrub (v. 6), and the other of a green, fruitful tree (v. 8). The shrub represents one whose confidence is in others or themselves—who turns away from the Lord. The tree signifies one whose confidence is in the Lord. Both are exposed to heat and drought. The difference? The tree is planted by the river, its roots drawing life from the water. The shrub is on its own in the desert, seeking life from salty mirages that will not sustain it.
If you’ve been planted in Christ and are rooting your hope in Him, the Living Water, you need not fear the heat of crisis or worry during a hard season. You will bear fruit in time!
Cyndi has frequent opportunities to teach God’s Word. But last spring she also had the chance to be a student—with her 93-year-old mother—at the continuing education program at the College of William and Mary in her home of Williamsburg. God is showing her that to be a good teacher she must also be a good learner. She prays that these biblical insights help connect your world with your life in Christ.