2ND WEEK OF LENT

In the year of drought it shows no distress.

Have you ever observed a desert landscape? It can be impressive to see how certain trees and plants can grow and even thrive in such an arid place! For example, the Joshua tree’s massive root system can reach thirty feet down in search of water. Other plants retain water in their leaves and stems, building up a reserve for times of drought.

Jeremiah uses the vivid imagery of thriving desert plants when he encourages the people of Jerusalem to be like “the man who trusts in the Lord” (17:7). They will be like a tree planted beside the water, stretching out its roots to the stream and storing reserves of life-giving water so that its leaves stay green (17:8).

Images like this one in Scripture can inspire us to build our trust and hope in the Lord. How?

You can stretch your roots toward the stream by setting aside time every day to read and study the Bible. Maybe there’s a particular Gospel or epistle that you want to get to know better. Find a good Scripture commentary or Bible study and dig into God’s word. As you do, your “roots” will deepen. You’ll be drawing closer to the source of living water, Christ himself.

You can store up this living water by holding onto what the Lord teaches you through his word. Start a journal with your thoughts or impressions. As you write down your insights, you’ll remember them better. Plus, you’ll have something to go back to whenever you start feeling spiritually dry. If a particular Scripture verse touches you, commit it to memory! You’ll be keeping the water of God’s truth close at hand when the heat and drought come.

We all face “deserts” or “scorching heat” in our lives. You might experience sickness, loss, or relationship struggles. God may seem far away, or the world around you may seem shrouded in darkness. These are the very times that you need to hang onto your trust in God. So keep stretching your roots toward your source of life. And tap into the living water that you have already collected.

“Lord Jesus, your words are the source of life-giving water for me!”

Jeremiah 17:5-10
Psalm 1:1-4, 6
Luke 16:19-31