Jeremiah 17:8

“For he will be like a tree planted by the water, That extends its roots by a stream And will 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.

      The image of a tree by the water  is one used often in the Bible. Psalm 1 is probably the most popular usage. However, Jeremiah’s example is a little more descriptive. It talks about how the tree will be able to stay strong, no matter what happens. When there is a drought, gardeners worry about their plants because they will not get enough water. If a tree had feelings, it too would be scared of such circumstances. It would wonder when they next rain might come.

      The preceding verse tells us who this tree represents. It is a picture that descirbes those who trust in the Lord. By trusting the Lord, they have no need to be anxious or scared whenever hard times comes. This may come in the form of tribulation from the world. It may come from difficult financial or even emotional times. Worse still, it might come as temptation brought on by Satan himself. These are all times when Christians may get worried or scared, just like a tree wondering if it can withstand the drought.

     Yet the tree is protected because of its proximity to the stream. The stream provides the water that they sky does not. The stream in this image is God. God is the provider of all things, and particularly the way of escape in difficult times (1 Corinthians 10:13). He gives us what we need to survive. We should not depend on worldly things to give us the water we need. Instead we should only drink from the word of God. If we will remember that such water is there, it will guide us through whatever difficulties may be on our path.

“For he will be like a tree planted by the water, That extends its roots by a stream And will 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.