Trees are generally grouped into two classifications based on whether or not they shed their leaves in fall. Those that shed leaves are called deciduous while those with leaves that stay on are called evergreens. There are numerous trees around my house that fall into both classifications. There are many pine trees that stay green year around as well as two magnolia trees. One of those magnolia trees sits in the woods directly behind my house, thereby giving me a perfect view of it from the dining room. It never changes, it doesn’t matter if it’s January, May, or October, it simply stays the same.
There is a valuable lesson we can learn from an evergreen, as written in the book of Psalms. “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper” (Psalms 1:1-3).
The psalmist tells us to be like a tree planted by a river. How can we do that? Our roots need to run deep into the soft soil of God’s Word. Read it, study it, meditate on it, and apply it. When you do so, you can be like an evergreen whose leaves don’t fall. The world will see the beauty of God’s Word in your life every day. When the winds of adversity blow, when the cold of disappointments come, when the thunder and lightning of Satan is all around you; there you’ll be, standing tall and true, seemingly unscathed by the storms of life, a beautiful example of the Lord Jesus Christ! Let’s not forget the fruit that will come as a result: Love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control (Galatians 5:22-23).
BE THE TREE – calm, consistent, confident, and captivating, with an unwavering trust in a faithful God!