What It Means to Be Like a Tree Planted by the Water

Reflections on Stability, Fruitfulness, and Resilience in Faith

Have you ever noticed how some trees, the ones growing right by a river or stream, always look the healthiest? Their leaves stay green, their branches are strong, and they always seem to have fruit, no matter the season. It turns out, this image isn’t just about plants—it’s a picture the Bible uses to talk about the kind of life we can have when we stay connected to God.

In Psalm 1:3 and Jeremiah 17:7-8, we see the same idea: a tree planted by water. This tree doesn’t just survive; it thrives. Why? Because its roots are always reaching into a steady, rich source of life. Even when the weather gets tough or there’s a drought, the tree isn’t worried. Its connection to the water keeps it going strong.

That’s a lot like what life can look like when we put our trust and hope in God. When we make God our foundation—by learning from, relying on, and trusting in God’s wisdom and love—we’re like that tree. No matter what challenges or “droughts” life throws at us, we’re anchored. We might bend, but we don’t break. Our faith helps us weather the storms.

But it’s not just about surviving hard times; it’s also about growing and producing “fruit.” Just as a healthy tree bears fruit in its season, a life rooted in faith can be a blessing to others. That “fruit” might look like kindness, patience, generosity, or simply the steady presence we offer in our families, workplaces, and communities.

And here’s the thing: just like the tree doesn’t worry about the seasons because it’s close to the water, we, too, can let go of worry when our hope is in God. There’s a sense of stability and peace, even when life feels unpredictable.

So, when you see a tree by the water, let it remind you: staying close to God—through prayer, reading, and trusting—gives us roots that hold firm, hearts that keep growing, and lives that keep giving, no matter what comes our way.

Minister A Francine Green I July 2025