Just for something a little different, I have been sharing from past newsletters I have sent to the retired missionaries of Baptist Church Planters. On April 25, 2023 I sent this as part of their letter.

“Blessed is the man that trusts in the LORD and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as the tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when the heat comes, but her leaf shall be green” (Jeremiah 17:7-8).

What an amazing blessing it is to be a believer. We believers are said to be blessed because we trust in the Lord and have the certainty of belonging to Him and knowing Him. I like how Jeremiah presents this even in the Old Testament economy.

1. The Lord has planted us. Our standing is comparable to a tree planted by the waters.
2. The Lord provides for us. Our root system is in the ever-refreshing waters of life.
3. The Lord allows us to be productive for Him. Our leaf is green because it is the Lord bearing life through the vine and we are His branches (John 15).

The “green leaf” of productive life is evident in the hard times of heat and drought according to Jeremiah 17:8b. I know that many of our dear friends are going through difficult times right now. We can stay green, alive and vibrant for our Savior through His strength and energy in our lives.

How do we stay green? This is not a quick little formula. Remember what you have shared with others over the years. It’s good to remember it for ourselves as well.

Commit to a daily walk with the Peace-giver (Psalm 29:10-11; John 14:27; Philippians 4:7).
Commit to a daily pattern of praise (Psalm 71:6, 8, 14, 22, 23).
Commit to a genuine trust in His beautiful promise of protection (John 10:28-29).
Commit to keeping the big picture in view (Romans 8:18; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

Back to today. You and I need to invest some time in God’s Word, in prayer, and in worshipping Him today. I would encourage you to look up these references and rejoice as you read them. That’s how we can “stay green!”