Tree planted by waters

August 29, 2026

By Editorial Team

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit. Jer 17:7,8

Jeremiah lived in very turbulent times. The Northern Kingdom was already destroyed in 722 B.C, and Judah was in its declining years. Nebuchadnezzar was knocking on its doors, it was only a matter of time before it collapsed. Moral decay had set in people’s hearts, they forsook the Bible, and its way of life and were only going about outward rituals and sacrifices. Both priest and prophet were giving out false sermons, much like today. The Judgement of God was hanging upon Israel and it was only when, and not if.

Yet in the midst of this message of doom and gloom, there were many bright spots in Jeremiah’s sermons. For example who doesn’t know Jer 29:11, or the fact that the New Testament (Covenant) was actually given to Jeremiah first (Jer 31)! God’s mercy shone through even very tumultuous times, giving them stability and sustenance and protection.

The above is one such passage where, the Holy Spirit gives Jeremiah a picture of a believer in Christ. A tree planted by the waters. Remember Psalm 1, where the Believer who reads the Bible and meditates on it is likened to a tree planted by the rivers of water, whose leaf shall not wither. A fruit bearing tree - all the time irrespective of season, drought or heat! That’s what a Christian is!

In contrast, is a man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength. Cursed is that man who trusts in the flesh. He is like a shrub in a desert, that does not see good times (Jer 17:5,6). Desolate shrub living in a parched land! Of not much use to anyone.

Friends, we are living in tumultuous times, with economic conditions rising and falling by the day. AI is bringing its benefits but is also replacing many jobs, destroying livelihoods. Change is so intense, that we are not able to predict tomorrow. Look outside and every man is a law unto himself. There are no absolute moral standards. Families are disintegrating being scattered globally. Church has become so nominal, that faith is thinning away. So where do we look to for support? I invite you to come to Christ and His word. Here God assures us that whatever be your external conditions, the light of Christ will shine forth brightly into your lives. That God is with us and will see us through.

Let us look at this tree planted by waters.

A tree takes in daily nourishment: are you spending time in the Word of God daily. If not, you are clearly living a natural life. Such a life can never be victorious and is useless in God’s sight. Without daily time with Christ in the Bible, your inner man will shrivel day by day. But with time spent in the Word, you will be like a fattened calves. Any pressure, you will be able to withstand.

It is a fruit bearing tree: Are you bearing fruit? It could be in the neighbourhood, in your social circles or at work. Are you able to bring forth solutions, with a Christ-like thinking. Are you pointing others to Christ, for that is the only real hope in this world.

Even in drought, its leaf is green because the life of Christ is flowing in us. Whether the sun is bright outside or not, the light within is shining bright. Christ is a fountain of living waters. The last Adam is a life giving spirit. Receive his touch and go out and help others.

It is a place of refuge for others: Many birds and people take shelter underneath. If you are filled with the life of Christ within, many will draw strength from you. They will ask you for advice and take courage. You will bring forth solutions for others like a Joseph, Daniel or Esther.

Friend, whatever be your situation, Jesus says, “Do not be anxious about that matter.” Cast your burden on the Lord and he will sustain you. They looked to him and were radiant, their faces were not ashamed. I invite you to come to Jesus and receive support from him today. He will not fail you, nor forsake you.