Green Leaves

“Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:7-8)

Today’s verse reminded me of a photo that I snapped on my phone when it was November in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I took the picture because I found it so amazing that this tree that still had green leaves was shedding them. Why is it amazing to me? Well, I think mostly because I was born and raised in NE Ohio where the tree leaves would change colors, beautiful, vibrant yellow, reds, purples and even brown before they fell from the trees. AND I missed the Ohio colors.

Some of the trees in New Mexico do change to brown, but never lose their leaves and when the spring comes, they simply get new buds and then the brown leaves stay on the trees along with the new green leaves. Sometimes the brown leaves will fall during the spring winds. I always think about the dead living among the living when I see these trees.

I find it lovely how Jeremiah compares one who hopes in the LORD as like a tree that has a spring of life to continually nourish and sustain her. Notice how he says “he shall be like” and then continues to “but her leaf shall be green …”. I think we can all apply this to our lives. It is the LORD who refreshes us daily. It is the WORD of the LORD which sustains us throughout the week. When we regularly drink from the “fountain of living waters” (Jeremiah 2:13) we will have the water that keeps us green and allows us to bear fruit.

So many times I read a scripture and another one pops into my head, this is what happens when you spend time in the Word. You begin to understand the things that are written because the Holy Spirit which indwells every believer discerns it for you (1 Corinthians 2:14). We begin to see how the Word is living and active, even in a world that is so devoid of anything godly. Jesus spoke of this time when we would understand with the help of the Spirit:

John 7:37-38-39 ( KJV ) In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.  39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

We are so blessed to have the rivers of living water available to us today. We should take every opportunity to be daily in the word so that we can know what God wants us to know. The Word of God, The Holy Bible was written for our learning and it provides us with rivers of living water that keeps our leaves green. Have you had your drink today?

” … If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed”
John 8:31

Things to Think About and Do

1. During the autumn season some folks get lots of leaves that fall to the ground. They might need help cleaning them up out of their yard. Offer to help someone who is unable to clean up their yard. You can be a blessing to them.

2. Consider other things in nature that remind us of our Heavenly Father … the Almighty Creator. Jot down at least three other things that prove Intelligent Design.

3. Find someone today that will study with you and hold you accountable to be daily in the Word. In today’s technological world, it may even be a long distance accountability partner that will study with you.