One of the things that stood out to me most about these verses is how the only difference between the thriving tree and the dying tree is their proximity to the stream. They both experience the heat and the drought, hard times, and the change of seasons. And yet, not only does the tree by the stream survive, it actually bears fruit through it all.
How true that is in my life. When I’m planted and rooted in my relationship with God, He continues to strengthen and sustain me through every season. In the same way, worry, lack of fruit, and lack of secure confidence definitely describe my life before Christ, AND now are the red flags of when I’m not abiding in Him.
As we celebrate Cypress Creek Church’s 30 years, it’s appropriate that the verse starts off with the blessed person being the one who trusts in the Lord. In the last decade that I have gotten to be a part of this church, I have witnessed over and over again those who truly trust in the Lord. Regardless of others’ life seasons, busyness, tremendous heartache and grief, I have seen how God continues to bless those who trust in Him. They (you) really have been an example for me of those who stand amidst hardship, don’t live in fear or worry, and continue to bear fruit. What a gift God gave us in community and through the local church to be able to rely on each other in all seasons and also watch as He sustains us as a body through it all.