Quiet Time Files 092108

"Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."

Jeremiah 17:7 - 8


Most years, the trees in southeastern Wisconsin begin to change color near the end of September, peaking in later October, leaving the trees bare around Thanksgiving. This year, however, a few trees began the show of red and gold uncommonly early, even before Labor Day marked the unofficial end of summer. The local meteorologists had an explanation for it:

The trees were stressed.

The record rainfalls of early June were followed by a drier than usual summer. The trees whose leaves began to turn color and fall so early were those whose systems were running out of water, forcing an early hibernation. Trees whose roots ran deep, where water was still to be found, stayed green and active.

Stressed. Sound familiar? When the heat is on, we need to have a deep root system to sustain us. But the thing is, that support needs to be cultivated before the heat comes. Consistent time reading and meditating on God's word, meaningful prayer times, memorization of encouraging verses - all of these will send your roots deep into the streams of God's sustaining power.

Note what Jeremiah says about those whose roots run deep - "...does not fear when heat comes...is not anxious in the year of drought...does not cease to bear fruit...". Deep roots relieve worry and anxiety. Those with deep roots will continue to minister, even when the temperature rises.