Like a Tree

By: Mae Archila

Monday, October 20, 2025

...blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NLT)

“He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.” Psalm 1:3

God’s Word compares Christ followers to a tree planted by a stream of water. Healthy trees flourish and bear fruit, and they have strong, deep roots. Every tree in nature is unique, and their uniqueness has inspired poets, artists, and writers. When I was an art teacher, I loved to teach my students how to draw trees. As we learned about trees and discussed their characteristics, we ended up learning some lessons about life.

Here are a few things trees "taught" us:

1. Have a strong Foundation: Deep roots provide stability and support to a tree it's entire life. Our faith may start small, but it must grow until it's deep-rooted. A deep-rooted faith in God will support us throughout our life (1 Corinthians 3:10-11).
2. Keep Growing: Trees are continually growing and putting out fresh growth. The new branches are connected to the main trunk, just like we must be connected to Christ (John 15:5-7).
3. Remove any dead wood. Trees renew themselves by shedding their old, dead limbs. Christ Followers must get rid of the "dead wood" from our old lives and remove anything that isn't useful or helping our faith grow (Romans 11:19-21).
4. Seek Living Water: A tree's roots search for water, and they will overcome any obstacles in their way. Life is full of obstacles, but nothing should stop us from searching for living water (Jeremiah 17:7-8).
5. Embrace your Uniqueness: No two trees are exactly alike. God took the time to make each one of us unique and different too. God knew what He was doing, so embrace your uniqueness. (Ephesians 2:10).

Spread out your branches for all to see,

Your gifts, your fruits, and all you should be.

Deep rooted and solid, just like a tree.

They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. Psalm 1:3 (NLT)