I had a sweet revelation this morning. I know the verse in 1 Peter 5:7 which says, “Casting all your cares on [the Lord], for He cares for you.” But today I realized this perfectly describes my morning brain-dump with God. With coffee and bible in hand, I cozy up in my regular spot, say good morning Father, and before I know it, I’ve rattled through a few thoughts, chores, things to remember later, and then with a sigh of relief usually start praying for things weighing on my heart (mostly people).

It was a silly revelation but I was thankful nonetheless.

Jeremiah 17:7-8 says, “Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit” (NLT).

The Passion Translation says, “…the one who trusts in Me alone… is like a tree planted on the riverbank, extending its roots into streams of water…” I love this visual– roots that reach deep, extending towards streams of water.

This is God’s design for us.

There is a blessing and favor for those whose relationship with God is secure. Roots of a natural tree provide stability and access to nourishment and this is how it is with those who trust in God. I live in West Texas so I understand the imagery of an arid climate where water and moisture is a precious resource. If you want healthy trees here, you better be prepared to drag water hoses or invest in a sprinkler system.

The metaphor describes the person who trusts in the Lord and knows the importance of drawing living water from the source of all life. Roots aren’t seen but healthy trees reveal what’s happening where eyes aren’t allowed. The quiet places with God, especially in challenging times, provide all the nourishment we need.

“What delight comes to the one who follows God’s ways! [She] won’t walk in step with the wicked, nor share in the sinner’s way, nor be found sitting in the scorner’s seat. [Her] passion is to remain true to the Word of ‘I Am,’ meditating day and night on the true revelation of light. [She] will be standing firm like a flourishing tree planted by God’s design, deeply rooted by the brooks of bliss, bearing fruit in every season of life. [She] is never dry, never fainting, ever blessed, ever prosperous” (Psalm 1:1-3 TPT). Forgive me for writing this in the feminine but that’s how I have it memorized! These verses speak so beautifully to my heart.

Jeremiah said such trees (such faith) are not bothered by heat or long seasons of drought. I’ve experienced this personally and I’ve observed it in the lives of others. Even in my own front yard during winter months with dead grass and vegetation everywhere, our trees are standing tall and flourishing regardless. Because trees with a reliable water source don’t wither despite exterior circumstances.

This is the same for those rooted in Christ.

Those who are deeply rooted have nothing to fear. They cast all their cares on the Lord (big, little, insignificant or otherwise) because they know and trust His care for them. Prolonged seasons of hardship do not limit God– and they know it.

And the beautiful (and visible) outcome of a heart that trusts God is a life of fruitfulness. Jesus said if we remain (stay rooted) in Him, He will remain in us. “Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the Vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me. I am the Vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:4-5).

Colossians reminds us to stay rooted and built up in Christ, established in faith, and always thankful (2:6-7). In other words, go to the stream– everyday. Don’t let a day pass without positioning yourself near the water of His love and faithfulness.

Dry seasons don’t have to exist even if exterior circumstances are hard. There is always a river flowing from the throne of God’s presence.