Trees
Posted by Erin Roberson, August 9, 2023
I have a love-hate relationship with the big oak trees in our backyard. I love them in the summer when the cool breezes blow through them, and they provide shade from the hot sun. They are still beautiful in the fall, but I don’t like them so much when they drop their acorns, leaving stains all over the patio and furniture. Sometimes I want to cut them all down as I pluck up the baby oak trees that sprout up all through the landscaping and yard!
The Bible speaks about trees a lot, from Genesis to Revelation. Did you know that a tree is mentioned at the beginning of Genesis, in the first Psalm, at the beginning of Matthew, and in Revelation? It’s as if God used trees as “markers” for each section of the Bible. I think it’s safe to say that God thinks trees are important, and there are some lessons we can learn from trees.
Lesson 1 - Grow toward the light.
As a kid, I did an experiment with plants that were placed in light and dark environments. (I’ll bet you did this experiment, too!) I didn’t notice any difference between the two plants at first, but soon the plant in the light began to thrive, while the plant in the dark turned yellow and weak. The plant in the dark environment eventually died.
Light is important for our growth, and all through the Bible, we are told that Jesus is the source of true light. If we keep our focus on Him, we will be healthy and strong, and we will grow closer and closer to Him—just like the trees!
Lesson 2 - Make strong roots.
Psalm 1 tells us that a person who meditates on God’s law is “like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither - whatever they do prospers” (Psalm 1:2-3). Having strong roots gives us the ability to withstand hard times. Storms are inevitable! We are going to face troubles in this life, but we can stand strong if we have deep roots in Jesus.
How do we grow strong roots? When describing those who have wisdom (in other words, strong roots), Proverbs 3 says, “She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed...” (Proverbs 3:18). We get wisdom by reading and meditating on God’s Word, praying continuously (which means we are both talking to God and listening to Him), and applying what we learn through the Word and by listening to God. If we do these things, we will be able to make good decisions, impart wisdom to others, lean on God during difficult times, and let God fight our battles.
Lesson 3 - Produce fruit.
When talking about true and false prophets, Jesus says, “By their fruit, you will recognize them…every good tree bears good fruit...” (Matthew 7:16-17). Jesus tells us that the “fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). God’s work in us transforms us and causes us to bear this type of fruit. It’s the outward “fruit” that people should see in our lives as a result of our relationship with Jesus.
Lesson 4 - Focus on the long-term
Our lives are short in comparison to trees. Trees often live for hundreds of years, and there is a tree in California (appropriately named Methuselah) that is over 4,000 years old!
This makes me think of a question: Do I make decisions based on short-term goals, or do I focus on my role as a steward of God’s gifts and allow God to use me to build His kingdom?
You might be in a tough season right now, but I want to encourage you to keep your eyes on Jesus. He has wonderful plans for your life, and He will bring them to fruition in His perfect timing. Keep trusting Him!
As I mentioned earlier, the Bible starts and ends with trees. Revelation tells us there will be trees in heaven (Revelation 22)! Maybe the trees in heaven won’t drop nuts that leave ugly stains and result in annoying sprouts that pop up everywhere. I’m just kidding! One thing I know for sure—he trees in heaven will be perfect and beautiful, and so will we!
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Erin Roberson is a wife and mother of two wonderful grown boys. She is a lifelong educator who loves learning and teaching others. She believes our primary focus should be on our relationship with God, learning who God is, who God says we are, and how God wants us to live.