Like a Tree

Psalm 1:3
He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.  Whatever he does prospers. 

This time of year begs for us to notice trees.  Large trees, small trees.....any tree at all....they look so beautiful in the Fall. My ten year old, Maggie, has really been into drawing trees lately.  I love that.  She makes them look so strong.  So safe.  I always think of refuge and shelter when I see the trees she draws.
Trees grow stronger because of their roots.  They grown down, searching for water.  Wind also helps trees to grow.  The wind blows on the tree, causing their roots to shift, to seem unstable for a moment, but really they are finding a place to really dig in and be secure.
I heard recently, "If the wind don't blow, the tree won't grow."  How true that is!  It is the same for us, too.  The winds of life....troubles, etc....blow on our lives all the time. Some times seem more intense than others.  We have to go back to our roots and see where we can be securely grounded.  Our souls search for the water of Truth.  As we cling to Him, we find our source of strength.  As we grip His Words, we flourish.  Our lives begin to bear more fruit.  We become stronger and we don't wither.  Whatever we do prospers and the greatest part of all of this is that we point to God.  He is glorified in our lives and HE is the reason we can thrive.