Trees in the Desert

“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.” – Psalm 1:3

Traveling at high speed across the desert on an interstate freeway, you could regard the scenery as dull and uninteresting. If you give the desert a fair chance, however, you might change your mind. Look again at the landscape, this time just after sunrise or near sunset. Or, look closely at and underneath a single bush. Consider the various colored rocks.

One striking desert scene is the greenery surrounding a water course. In an area otherwise devoid of trees, you may see a long, narrow, perhaps winding strip of trees and shrubs. This denotes a river or streambed. If it has not rained recently, little or no water may be visible. Nevertheless, the trees and shrubs have developed deep root systems with which to tap into the life-giving flow. And where there are trees and shrubs, there will be birds and other wildlife—all dependent on the fruit, nuts, and flowers of the vegetation.

This oasis is an allegory of a dynamic Christian life in a sin-darkened world. If we are deeply rooted in the life-giving stream flowing from Calvary, we will consistently be alive and fruitful, no matter how dry and barren the land around us may be. That fruitfulness will appeal to the soul who has come to think of life as dull and unappealing—perhaps even ugly.

As Christians, we may go through some personal “dry spells”—perhaps times of trial and testing. Yet we never need to doubt the One who has done so much for us. As we hold firmly to Him in faith, we know that soon the showers of blessing will break forth, flooding the riverbed to its banks. Whether the banks are full or nearly dry, our deep spiritual roots continue to draw the life-giving sustenance from the One we serve. And as we keep our trust in God and abide by His Word, we will prosper spiritually and have a positive effect on those around us as well.