– Rev. Chris Brady, Capital District Superintendent
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: 5-8
We are experiencing unprecedented and record-breaking heat waves across the county. Local communities face dangerous conditions. The heat harms the ecology of local areas, human health, and is deadly, further aggravating vulnerable natural populations and environments. Similarly, we find the body of Christ facing unprecedented waves of conditions that jeopardize the health of our local faith communities, many are parched, dry, and experiencing brittle conditions. A renewing and refreshing presence is critical to remain healthy for the journey ahead.
Jeremiah speaks to the arid conditions of Israel as he relates the human condition to nature. Unpacking his words conveys that a tree planted by a river can draw from the nutrients of the living water that seeps into the soil near its base. A tree planted by a river has ground willing to receive its roots so it can be strengthened and continue to grow stronger. A tree planted by a river has a never-ending source of strength because the river never runs dry, even during drought. Jeremiah understood that we sometimes don’t. This interconnectedness of the ecology of the soil (foundation) and water keeps this planted tree standing, even amidst the heat.
I often have ministered to persons who say, “If only I had more faith.” But what makes faith valid is not “how much” we have but in whom we find our faith. It’s not merely how strong our faith is; it’s how strong the one we believe in is. The stream of living water feeds the foundation of our hearts and nourishes the soul. Just as the Holy Spirit feeds the foundation of our faith, infusing it with nutrients of courage, boldness, healing, and hope that keep us standing, especially during the most heated days.
Whether you are laity or clergy, I hope you take time to embrace the refreshing waters of the Holy Spirit so that the soil of your soul will be nourished, even amidst the heat of bearing witness to God’s love, grace, and hope to all in our current ecology.
Selah