What the Bible’s Simple Metaphor Means to Me
When I think about the image of “a tree planted by the water,” I picture those big, green trees you see growing beside rivers—always full of life, their leaves never wilting, even when the sun is blazing or there hasn’t been rain for weeks. That simple picture says so much about what it means to live a strong, hopeful life.
For me, this metaphor from the Bible makes a lot of sense. A tree with its roots in the water never runs dry. It doesn’t panic when the weather changes; it just keeps growing, season after season. In the same way, I realize that if I’m “rooted” in something steady—like faith, love, or even a set of good values—I have a source of strength that doesn’t run out when life gets tough.
There have been times when I felt like the world was a dry, difficult place—when worries, disappointments, or challenges piled up. In those moments, I noticed that the people who seemed to cope best weren’t necessarily the luckiest or richest. Instead, they were the ones who had something deep inside—faith, hope, a sense of purpose—that kept them going. They were like those trees by the water: their “leaves” stayed green, and they still found ways to be kind, helpful, and positive, even when things seemed dry or hopeless.
This image also reminds me that it’s not just about surviving hard times—it’s about thriving. The tree planted by the stream doesn’t just get by; it grows and bears fruit. In my life, that means that if I stay connected to what matters most—whether it’s my spiritual beliefs, my family, or my community—I can also give back. I can offer encouragement, wisdom, or support to others, even when I’m facing challenges myself.
On the other hand, when I lose sight of those roots—when I get caught up in stress or negativity—I feel more shaken, like I could be blown away by any strong wind that comes along. The contrast is clear: deep roots make all the difference.
I appreciate that the Bible uses such a simple, natural scene to talk about something so deep. Whether or not someone is religious, I think anyone can relate to the idea of needing strong roots, especially when life is uncertain. For me, seeing a tree by the water is now a gentle reminder—stay rooted, stay connected, and you can stand strong no matter what comes your way.
Minister A Francine Green I July 2025
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