If you will learn something, then you will discover to be who you are meant to be. That means you have to be teachable. That means you can’t be religious, unless of course you are trying to impress someone. Let’s take a lesson from old Jerry.
Jeremiah 17:7-8
“Blessed are those who trust in the Lord,
whose trust is the Lord.
They shall be like a tree planted by water,
sending out its roots by the stream.
It shall not fear when heat comes,
and its leaves shall stay green;
in the year of drought it is not anxious,
and it does not cease to bear fruit.”
Why doesn’t the heat affect/effect the tree’s leaves?
How come the drought is not causing anxiety or stopping the fruitfulness of the tree’s harvest?
How come the drought is not causing anxiety or stopping the fruitfulness of the tree’s harvest?
Because the tree is maintaining itself by, “…sending out its roots by the stream…”
So, what is the stream? Let’s discover something practical and applicable to our lives so that we can do as the tree does, GROW.
The roots are the deepest part of the tree, and it has to be the one that is sending out or reaching out. So, the tree has to play its part. But, again what is the stream?
Great questions! Let’s dive deeply into Jeremiah 17:7-8 and uncover the meaning behind the metaphor of the tree, the roots, and the stream.This passage is rich with spiritual symbolism, and understanding these elements will give us a clearer picture of how to trust in the Lord and why that trust brings lasting stability.
1. Why Doesn’t the Heat Affect the Tree’s Leaves?
The verse tells us that even when the heat comes—a symbol of trials, pressure, and life’s difficulties—the leaves of the tree remain green. This suggests life, vitality, and health. Why? Because the tree is rooted near the stream, drawing consistent nourishment and hydration from it.
Spiritually, this means that when you trust in the Lord, you are constantly connected to a source of life that never dries up. External circumstances (the heat) cannot drain your spiritual strength because you are fed by a deeper, unseen supply—God Himself.
Isaiah 58:11 supports this idea:
“The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.”
So, the heat doesn’t destroy the tree’s leaves because its life source is not external—it’s internal, drawn from the ever-present stream. Likewise, those who trust in the Lord remain spiritually alive and fruitful despite external trials.
2. Why Doesn’t the Drought Cause Anxiety or Stop the Fruitfulness?
A drought represents a season of scarcity, lack, or spiritual dryness. For many, these seasons bring worry and hinder productivity. But not for this tree! Why? Because its roots reach the stream—a never-ending supply of water.
In spiritual terms, this means that trusting in God keeps you connected to His provision and faithfulness, even when external resources or comforts are lacking. When you are deeply rooted in God’s truth, His Spirit, and His promises, there is no need for fear or anxiety.
Philippians 4:6-7 echoes this truth:
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
When your source of life comes from God, you continue to bear fruit—which symbolizes spiritual growth, righteous living, and impactful work—even when outward conditions seem unfavorable.
3. What is the Stream?
The stream represents God Himself—His Spirit, His Word, and His continual presence. Throughout Scripture, water often symbolizes spiritual life and sustenance aka His Word that flows directly from God. It is not a version or some sort of particular style of Holy Writ. It is what is proceeding from God. When you talk what is coming from your mouth? WORDS. It is not the focus upon a kind of Bible, but the VOICE OF HIM WHO IS SPEAKING.
Jeremiah 2:13 speaks of God as the source:
“For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters…”
In fact, John 7:38-39 further reveals that this living water is the God Himself being Spirit:
“He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” But this He spoke concerning the Spirit…”
So, as you can see the stream is the life-giving flow of God’s Spirit—His sustaining power. Those who trust in the Lord are continuously nourished and empowered by Him, no matter how dry or difficult their external conditions become.
4. The Tree’s Responsibility: Sending Out Its Roots
Notice that the tree has a role—it must send out its roots to the stream. This implies intentional effort and active faith. You must make a deliberate choice to draw near to God.
James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”
Your “roots” are your spiritual disciplines—prayer, studying God’s Word, worship, and living in faith. The deeper your roots go, the more access you have to the stream of God’s Spirit.
5. How Do We Apply This Truth?
To be like this tree, that means that we:
-Trust in the Lord Completely – Make God your confidence, not external circumstances.
-Send Out Your Roots – Seek Him in prayer, Scripture, and obedience.
-Draw from the Stream – Rely on the Spirit for strength, not human effort.
-Remain Steadfast in Trials – Know that God’s provision sustains you during life’s “heat” and “drought.”
By doing this, you will remain spiritually vibrant and fruitful, no matter what challenges come your way.
Kingdom Blessings,
Grace & Peace
Dr. John Roberts THD