Be Continually Green

One of the graces of the old south, the live oak, is always green. It has thrived for centuries, the moss dripping from its long branches adding to its charm.  Live oaks are as much a part of Savannah as the huge ships that roll into port everyday, and as much a part of Charleston as the graceful sailboats that glide off its shores.  So strong and resilient is the wood of the live oak that it was once used to build sea-worthy ships that could weather fierce storms and withstand angry winds and waves.

These trees are steeped in American history. They once provided a respite of shade to the slaves working the fields in the old south, and they were one of the few integrated places where white and black people alike could enjoy shelter from the sun in the 1910’s and 20’s. But the most enduring thing about the live oak is its ability to stay constantly green and alive through the seasons of its life.

The bible compares a person of faith who keeps his trust in the Lord to a tree that is continually green, never barren, and always filled with life no matter the circumstances around them:

But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and has made the Lord his hope and confidence.  He is like a tree planted along a riverbank, with its roots reaching deep into the water—a tree not bothered by the heat nor worried by long months of drought. Its leaves stay green, and it goes right on producing all its luscious fruit.  Jeremiah 17:7-8

When the storms of life threaten ruin, or the heat and drought of uncertainty plague your faith, where your trust is rooted will make all the difference. Like the story of the strong, green tree in the Book of Jeremiah, every life is rooted somewhere: in temporal things, wealth, self-reliance, or faith in God.  When trying times come along, it will be evident. Spend time in God’s Word, pray for strength, and put your trust in Him with every area of your life.