It is a majestic sight to drive along a street lined with live oak trees. The mature branches, draped in Spanish moss, provide a regal canopy overhead. If the branches stay attached to the trunk, their beauty and shade can be enjoyed for as long as two hundred years. The taproot allows these trees to locate water even in times of drought. The health of these trees is most threatened by diseases that disrupt their ability to obtain water and nutrients.
Children of God, whose delight and desire are in the words of Christ, are like trees firmly planted by streams of water. Coming near to Jesus, nurtured by His life-giving words strengthens us and prospers our souls. The roots of our being become fixed and founded in Him. Neither fierce storms of adversity nor drought will cause our leaves to wither. Our lives will produce ongoing harvests of godly goodness.
Our spiritual health is continually threatened by those things that keep us from communing with Jesus. As the branch draws its nutrients from the vine, we too must abide in Jesus. His words water and nourish our souls. As we deepen our friendship with Christ, we realize the destructive potential of living independently from Him. Controlled by our own thoughts rather than God’s wisdom will breed disease and drought in our lives: pride, selfish ambition and quarrels. Disconnected from Christ, we become like severed branches that wither and die.
Jesus says to even the weakest of His children, “You are in Me. Abide in Me and you will produce much fruit.”
Are you coming near to Jesus? He will never cast out those who come to Him in neediness. Draw near to Him today and He will draw near to you. In due time you and all those you come in contact with will be blessed by a harvest of goodness that God will work in you.
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked…but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither.” Psalm 1: 1-3