“7 Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, And whose trust is the LORD. 8 For he will be like a tree planted by the water That extends its roots by a stream, And does not fear when the heat comes; But its leaves will be green, And it will not be anxious in a year of drought, Nor cease to yield fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8, NASB
How happy and fortunate is the one who depends completely on the LORD. Such a one will not be moved or destroyed, but will flourish and thrive.
Every tree looks strong and its leaves are green when there is plenty of rain and sunshine, during its season. Now, when the time of drought comes, that is when you will see the difference in the trees. Only the trees that are planted by the river are the ones that will continue to have green leaves and fruits on its branches. The drought will clearly show the trees that are dying from the ones that are thriving.
The trees are people. The water represents the LORD who provides nourishment—referring to strengthening one’s faith. The drought means tribulation.
This is the message that the Scripture is conveying.
Every professing Christian looks strong when the season they are living in is pleasant and good. The moment tribulation comes, it will make it evident to others which one has true faith by continuing to flourish, producing fruit for the Lord. Even in the midst of a bad situation, they will have no sign of losing their faith in the Lord. Tribulation has a way of exposing a faith that’s nothing but a vapor—not rooted in Jesus Christ—to a faith that will get refined to shine much more by those who truly have the Holy Spirit living inside of them.
Trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ will keep your faith strong, producing good works. You will be strong when there is rain and when there is a drought. No matter what comes to you, it will not destroy your faith, but will build it up.
Spiritual Minefield 