What an appealing metaphor we find in both Jeremiah 17 and Psalm 1, likening our life of faith in God to a lush and fruitful tree abundantly nourished by its nearby source of running water. Our faith anchors us to the Lord, as a tree is anchored by its roots to the nearby stream.

 

However, we often fail to see ourselves as that strong, thriving tree. We rush through our hectic days with our minds full of worries about family issues, work deadlines, financial pressures, health concerns. On a broader scale, the 24-hour media constantly assaults our senses with everything from shrill warnings of serious international concerns to inane gossip of inconsequential nonsense. It's not unusual to feel anxious and distracted without being able to identify a specific reason for our unease.

 

But today's Old Testament readings are a reminder of the very good news of our faith. We don't have to be like that cursed man "who trusts in human beings . . . who is a barren bush in the dessert that enjoys no change of season . . . who stands in a lava waste, a salt and empty earth."

 

We can, instead, reach out and allow our roots to draw from that faithful, ever-present Stream which sustains and steadies us and blesses our lives with all that's truly important and good. As the noise of the world swirls around us, we can view it through a heavenly filter that adjusts our perspective and draws it more into line with that of our heavenly Father. He'll help us do that. We need only ask Him to help us see as He sees and live as He leads.