I’m currently on tour and today we travelled on the Hay Plain which is world-renowned as the flattest place in the southern hemisphere. It looks like a giant rolling pin has come along and flattened the land as flat as a pancake, as far as the eye can see.
However, one thing you do notice is the difference from one side of the road to the other. On one side of the road there is a treeless landscape, whilst on the other there is a row of trees which winds off into the horizon. The source of this sudden burst of greenery is a river which waters the trees that grow alongside it.
The stark contrast of sparseness on one side of the road and then rows of trees winding alongside the riverbanks on the other, reminded me of how important it is to plant ourselves where we are going to be “watered” and able to be connected to a source of life so we can thrive.
The bible mentions how important it is where we are planted and says, “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither – whatever they do prospers.” (Psalm 1-3 NIV)
Even when we may find ourselves in environments which are difficult, or where people are pulling on the resources we have within us, when we make sure we are planted in a healthy place which is supplying what we need, we will still be able to flourish and be fruitful in who we are and what we do.
The trees in the on the plains are the only greenery for kilometres, but because they have positioned themselves next to the river, their roots have sunk down deep to the water, supplying what they need to grow. Plus, they are supplying much needed shade and shelter to everything around them.
It matters where we choose to plant ourselves because our environments affect who and what we become. But when our journey also takes us to places where we are in a season of pressure or we just don’t particularly like where we are, we can still prosper and do well if we sink our roots down into Jesus, who is like that river supplying living water to our life. It’s in him that we can find our source of life and strength.
Stay connected and allow his life to flow in and through you and you will flourish and do well wherever you find yourself and be able to bless someone else as they find shelter and rest from being around you.
”And you have been made complete in Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.” (Colossians 2:10)
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)
“By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life” (2 Peter 1:3 NLT)
Prayer: Lord, thank you that I can find all I need for life in you. Please remind me to stay connected to you like a tree planted near streams of living water so that I will flourish regardless of my circumstances or who is around me. In Jesus name Amen.
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