Tumbleweeds and Trees

Tumbleweeds tell a story. Whether they’re plastered along a fencerow or bouncing down a highway, they speak of a dry and rootless life. They are the fruit of a barren wilderness.

Jeremiah used them as an example when bringing this message from God:

“Cursed is the strong one who depends on mere humans, who thinks he can make it on muscle alone and sets God aside as dead weight. He’s like a tumbleweed on the prairie, out of touch with the good earth. He lives rootless and aimless in a land where nothing grows.” (Jer. 17:5-6, MSG)

I don’t happen to live in a place where tumbleweeds are common, but I’ve noticed those who live a tumbleweed life. They have an independent, self-centered, Lone Ranger attitude. They refuse to root themselves in God’s Word . . . to understand His goodness . . . to dwell in His Presence. Their lives are unproductive. They are victims of drought.

Summer rain is a blessing when it falls from the sky in late summer, but what happens when no rain falls? Certainly everything doesn’t dry up like a tumbleweed. Some living things continue to grow and thrive even when times are dry.

Jeremiah gives us God’s example of that type of prosperity:

 “Blessed is the man who trusts me, God, the woman who sticks with God. They’re like trees replanted in Eden, putting down roots near the rivers – never a worry through the hottest of summers, never dropping a leaf, serene and calm through droughts, bearing fresh fruit every season.” (Jer. 17:7-8, MSG)

I want to live a tree life, don’t you?

To be planted deep in the most fertile place ever created.
To drink long and be refreshed by God’s goodness.
To replace worry with confidence.
To live fruitful even in dry times.

Mind if I pray?
God, we want to stick with you, even during dry seasons. Plant us in Your Word as we read it. Nourish us with your Spirit. Enthrall us with the life of Jesus. Give us deep and strong roots of faith that draw from Your deep well of mercy in the driest of times. Make us fruitful for Your kingdom. Come quickly, Jesus, come!