In three very important areas the Bible reveals that the godly individual is "like a tree."

1) The man who meditates day and night in God's law "shall be like a tree" (Ps. 1:2-3). When we consistently spend time studying and reflecting upon the Word of God it makes us stronger in our faith and knowledge (2 Tim. 2:15; 2 Pet. 3:18). This regular meditation in inspired scripture will cause fruit to be born in our lives (v. 3; Luke 8:15; John 15:2). Reading and applying the Bible will cause our way to prosper (v. 3; James 1:25). So are you "like a tree" in this way? Do you have spiritual strength and deep roots of faith because your "delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law" you meditate "day and night"?

2) The man who trusts in the LORD "shall be like a tree" (Jer. 17:7-8). God stated in the previous verse that "the man who trusts in man...shall be like a shrub in the desert" (vv. 5-6). What a difference it will make in our lives if we make flesh our strength or the God who created all things! We need to heed the admonition given in the Book of Proverbs. "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths" (3:5-6). Are you "like a tree" or "like a shrub" in the desert? It depends on where you've placed your trust.

3) The man whose hope is in the LORD "shall be like a tree" (Jer. 17:7-8). To hope in anyone or anything else in this life is futile. There is only "one hope" (Eph. 4:4). It is a hope that will not disappoint (Rom. 5:5). This hope is "an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast" (Heb. 6:19). This hope that we have in the Lord will help us to maintain purity in our lives (1 John 3:3). Heaven is the most important goal of all, so let's "lay hold of the hope set before us" (Heb. 6:18). Is your hope in the Lord? If it is not, then you are without hope!

May each one of us be "like a tree" in these three vital areas!

- Words of Life, 12/12/10