Paradox: Tree
Wednesday
Psalm 1:3He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.
I love being outdoors. It reminds me of God's infinite creativity. No matter where I have been I am amazed that He could have thought of one more thing just a little more beautiful or different as the last. One of my favorite analogies in scripture is of trees. Of faithful, righteous people being referred to as trees. There couldn't be a more beautiful picture of character and strength.
While the similar traits of trees and faithful men such as places of shelter, refuge, comfort, protection and fruit go hand in hand, it is the differences of each individual that truly speaks of God's majesty. Be it an oak, a mighty Redwood, a Palm or even a Joshua tree, each one is perfectly unique. Each one created for a very specific place while all provide shelter and fruit.
Often times we assume a man or woman should look or be a certain way to fit into a Christian mold. We are overlooking the very fact that each unique individual provides the exact shelter, comfort, protection and fruit for the very place God created them to be in.
What type of tree are you? Are you strong enough to be shelter, fed enough to bear the fruit God intends for your life?
Jeremiah 17: 7,8
But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
whose confidence is in him.8 He will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit."
