Like A Tree Planted

 A Family Bible Study By: Keith M. Craddock

Like a Tree Planted

Have you ever stopped to think about the journey of a tree? From a small seedling to a majestic giant, a tree's growth is a remarkable process. It's a journey marked by seasons of growth, pruning, and flourishing.

As believers, our journey with God can be likened to that of a tree. We're called to be "like a tree planted" – rooted, grounded, and flourishing in our faith. In this post, we'll explore what it means to be like a tree planted, and how we can cultivate this kind of faith.

Rooted in God's Word

Psalm 1:3 says, "He 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." This verse paints a picture of a tree that's deeply rooted in a source of life-giving water.

As believers, our source of life-giving water is God's Word. When we're rooted in Scripture, we're able to weather any storm, and our lives will bear fruit that honors God.

Trusting in God's Sovereignty

Jeremiah 17:7-8 says, "But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They 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."

These verses remind us that trusting in God's sovereignty is key to being like a tree planted. When we trust in God's goodness and control, we're able to face challenges with confidence and hope.

Enduring Through Life's Storms

Proverbs 10:25 says, "When the tempest passes, the wicked is no more, but the righteous is an everlasting foundation." This verse reminds us that life's storms will come, but as believers, we're called to endure.

Like a tree planted, we must dig deep into God's Word and trust in His sovereignty. When we do, we'll be able to weather any storm and remain standing, unshaken and unwavering.

Counting Everything as Loss

Philippians 3:7-8 says, "But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things."

These verses remind us that being like a tree planted requires us to count everything as loss for the sake of Christ. When we prioritize our relationship with God above all else, we'll find that our roots grow deeper, and our lives bear fruit that honors Him.

Listening to God's Voice

Matthew 10:30 says, "But the very hairs of your head are all numbered." This verse reminds us that God is intimately acquainted with every detail of our lives.

Isaiah 30:21 says, "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it.'" These verses encourage us to listen to God's voice and follow His leading.

God's Patience and Mercy

2 Peter 3:9 says, "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

This verse reminds us of God's patience and mercy. Like a tree planted, we must learn to trust in God's timing and sovereignty, knowing that He is always working for our good.

Conclusion

Being like a tree planted is a journey, not a destination. It requires us to root ourselves in God's Word, trust in His sovereignty, endure through life's storms, count everything as loss for the sake of Christ, listen to God's voice, and trust in His patience and mercy.

As we cultivate this kind of faith, we'll find that our lives bear fruit that honors God, and we'll remain standing, unshaken and unwavering, through all of life's challenges.

Reflection Questions:

How can you deepen your roots in God's Word this week?
What are some areas of your life where you need to trust in God's sovereignty?
How can you endure through life's storms with confidence and hope?

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, help us to be like trees planted – rooted in Your Word, trusting in Your sovereignty, and enduring through life's storms. May our lives bear fruit that honors You, and may we remain standing, unshaken and unwavering, through all of life's challenges. Amen.