The Glory of Trees

But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” - Jeremiah 17:7-8

I have Thomas Merton, late Roman Catholic teacher and mystic, to thank for giving me a powerful association with trees.  In The Seeds of Contemplation, Merton talks about how all things are created to give glory to God, simply by being what God made them to be.  He uses the example of a tree; by being a tree, it celebrates God's brilliance and presence in this life.  I know I've been ridiculed for finding so much depth in a tree, and then lo and behold, Jeremiah apparently shares my interest and positive images of trees.

Ones who trust in the Lord are grounded solidly with roots sunk deep, where nothing will uproot, weaken, or destroy.  The Living Water of God's grace nurtures and sustains us more and more as we toss worry, anxiety, helplessness, and stress out and just throw everything on God's shoulders to handle.  In addition, when we throw our trust on God we are being who He made us to be and that, therein, gives God great satisfaction, praise, and glory.