When trials come -- and they surely will -- I am anchored by the river's edge to the One who holds my tomorrows.

I walked along the river’s edge. Moss-laden boulders jutted out from the rich, fertile soil. Patches of snow still refused to melt beneath their shadows, sheltered from the winter sun.

Along the River’s Edge

Just ahead, a large tree grew along the river’s edge. It clung to the soil of the bank, but as I got closer, I realized many of its massive roots extended into the river itself. Soil had washed away over the years, but still it clung to is source of living — the river.

Evidence of passing storms spoke of the tree’s life — a few broken branches, a hollowed-out, empty space on its north-facing side, a slight leaning to the left towards the river.

And yet the tree lived. It thrived.

The tree thrived because its roots dug deep into the river which was alive with all the tree needed to survive the storms and droughts and fiery heatwaves that tried to take it down.

I stay planted by the river's edge with intention though, not by happenstance.

Jeremiah 17:7-8 reads, “But 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.”

Like the tree, I have come to rely upon the river of Living Water that runs deep in my soul, washing over and through the broken places.

I stay planted by the river’s edge with intention though, not by happenstance.

When the winter seasons of my soul come and fierce storm winds blow, I make sure I plant myself right at the feet of Jesus, pressing into Him, standing on and feasting on His Word — my source of life, my root-fertilizer so that my roots of faith grow deep and are not ripped away in the power of the harsh winds of adversity.

Are You Anchored by the River’s Edge?

When trials come — and they surely will — I am anchored by the river’s edge to the One who holds my tomorrows. Won’t you join me there? Imagine your life as a giant tree planted by the river — the river of God.

Won’t you tap into His life-source today? There is none like Him.

Selah

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Thank you so much for stopping by. I would love for you to share what’s on your heart in the comments below. Scroll a little farther down and you’ll see where you can leave your comments. Together, we can find the nearness of God in our darkest moments.

Sweet blessings to you,

NAN