Fun fact! Did you know that trees actually cry? Yes, when a tree is starved of water, it suffers and makes a noise. However, you and I may never recognize the cry of a thirsty tree because its sound is ultrasonic, which is silent to the human ear. Buffalo National River is said to be one of the most beautiful rivers in Arkansas; the 135-mile bluff-lined river is coated with trees. I imagine those trees are satisfied and aren’t acquainted with seasons of lament due to thirst. The lack of water for trees and humans alike, is awful. Research reports that death by thirst is excruciating and can often be proceeded by cell shrinkage, mental changes, and/or kidney failure. Metaphorically, like thirsty trees, there are a lot of weeping human hearts right now which are not necessarily starved of water but deprived of many vital needs. Our world is rapidly changing, and some may find it hard to keep up with the changes. Yet, there is tremendous hope and unwavering promise for those who trust in the Lord. Despite the many voices that echo He is not the answer, He remains Sovereign and is still the answer. In the Bible, the Prophet Jeremiah lived through extremely traumatic times, to include his homeland being destroyed, he was imprisoned, and his people were taken captive by another nation. The devastation he and his fellow countryman experienced during this period is almost unimaginable. Can you imagine being taken away from your country and held captive for 70 years? Yet, in the midst of such pain, Jeremiah boldly declared BLESSED is the man who trusts in the Lord and makes the Lord, alone, his confidence. He likened that man to a flourishing tree planted by the waters, whose roots are nourished by those waters … and even in the midst of heat and drought, is still able to produce fruit. The tree does not deteriorate because of the conditions surrounding it. In essence, Jeremiah was saying the man who trusts in the Lord is sustained in difficult times and even during seemingly impossible circumstances. I’m eternally grateful for the prophet Jeremiah’s testimony; however, I am more satisfied that I personally know the blessing that accompanies trusting in the Lord. In all my years of walking with God, I am 100% confident that He is a promise keeper. I know times may be difficult, and like the water-deprived tree, your heart may feel weepy --- but take courage my friend and trust in the Lord, He will sustain you!
But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him. He is like a tree planted by the waters, that sends out its roots toward the stream. It does not fear when the heat comes, and its leaves are always green. It does not worry in a year of drought, nor does it cease to produce fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8 NIV