The Tree

Psalm 1:3
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

It was 7:30 in the morning and I was hearing sounds that I don’t usually hear in our quiet little neighborhood. Bzzzzzz Bzzzzzz Crack. Thump. Bzzzzzz Crack Thump. My mind was curious to see what was happening outside, but my body wasn’t as excited about pursuing the thought. Finally, when the two were in agreement, I crawled from under the warm covers and peaked through the curtain. There were trucks and machines everywhere as a crew of sturdy men attacked the mighty tree that stood just a few feet away in the neighbors’ yard. Within hours the men finished their work and my mighty friend that greeted me each morning was gone. There was no visible evidence that a gigantic tree had ever been there.

Although the visible presence of the tree had been removed, I knew that beneath the surface, the roots still spread over as large an area as the tree occupied above the ground level. A massive root system still existed. A part of the tree still remained. A very important part.

Psalm 1 reminds me that the Lord sees those who trust in Him as trees planted by the rivers of water. Strong, solid, unmoving, and unchanging in spite of the storms of life, because they are rooted in Him.

I couldn’t help but wonder about the time when I’m gone from this earth and there is no visible evidence that I have even been here. What will remain to tell others that I lived? It gives me great joy to know that something will remain. The root system of my faith will keep on growing. As I have shared it with others, and they with still others, my faith and hope will be here when I am gone.

Lord, thank you that the faith I live by today is something that can outlast my human life. Thank you for the joy of sharing it with others, and helping them develop roots in You and Your Word.

By Ann Shorb
©Copyright Ann Shorb, 2007

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Related articles and devotionals:
Bearing Fruit
God's Requirements
Closer Than a Brother

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