Daily Devotions for Friday, May 23, 2025: Rooted in Hope

 

The Daily Devotional

Friday, May 23, 2025

Rooted in Hope

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. (Jeremiah 17:7–8)

Introduction

Jeremiah speaks these words to a weary people, calling them to place their confidence not in human strength but in the sustaining presence of God. In this poetic image of a tree rooted by the stream, we find a promise of resilience, peace, and fruitfulness—even in harsh seasons.

Reflection

While driving across the high desert of southern New Mexico, I once noticed a lone cottonwood tree standing tall beside a narrow arroyo. Everything around it was dry, brown, and brittle—but this one tree remained lush and green. The reason was simple: it had tapped into an underground water source that flowed even when the surface was parched.

This is the image Jeremiah paints—a life that thrives not because of favorable circumstances, but because it draws from a hidden source: trust in the Lord. Like that tree, we may endure life’s scorching winds and long dry spells, but if our roots are deep in God’s faithfulness, we will not only survive—we will flourish.

Application

Take inventory of what you’re rooted in today. Is your peace dependent on predictable outcomes or on the presence of God? When pressure mounts or seasons feel dry, return to the Source. Prayer, Scripture, quiet moments in God’s presence—these are your streams. Let your roots drink deeply.

Conclusion

Faith that flourishes is not faith spared from hardship but faith anchored in hope. When we place our trust fully in the Lord, we are like trees by living water—steady, green, and fruitful even in seasons of drought.

Prayer

Gracious Lord, in every season—abundance or drought—teach me to trust You more deeply. Let my roots sink into the stream of Your Word and Your presence. When fear rises and circumstances feel uncertain, remind me that You are the source of my strength, peace, and fruitfulness. Make me like that tree—steadfast, vibrant, and bearing witness to Your sustaining grace. Amen.

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Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA

The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993, the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.