How to Survive the Heat (metaphorically)
Melbourne has been sweltering under multiple heat waves, temperatures soaring to record highs and humidity drenching us in sweat.
Recovering from COVID, we’ve been indoors for 10 days, turning on every fan in the house and trying to keep our sanity.
The heat nor COVID slowed down the boys, who continued to build forts, jump on the trampoline, and chase each other around the house. But Roy and I could feel our resilience wither away.
We finally got our freedom and sought the beach and air conditioning. What sweet relief, to feel cooled.
How do you survive the heat?
My poor neglected plants have turned brown and if they live past this week, it will be a miracle.
Only those with deep roots can withstand such harsh weather.
Planted by the Water
The prophet Jeremiah lived during a time in Israel’s history (650 – 570 BC) when God’s people had abandoned Him to pursue what drove every other nation: prosperity, security and pleasure through worshipping man-made gods. These false values led the Israelites towards disregard for God’s laws and ultimate self-destruction.
God tried to warn them, comparing those who turned away from him to a bush in the desert, parched and perilous.
On the other hand, He urged:
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,
whose confidence is in him.
8 They will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8
What a beautiful metaphor for the one who trusts in God – a tree whose roots reach out to the water and endures the scorching heat to produce fruit in a year of drought.
Such a tree not only thrives in the heat but also blesses others with its shade and fruit.
Where are our roots?
What kind of tree are you? Where are your roots planted?
We’ve been talking about prayer the past few weeks, because our private prayer time with God is like the roots of our spiritual life. No one can see, no one knows how deep or wide those roots go. But when the heat comes, our true colours show. Will we stay evergreen? Will we bear fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control – Galatians 5:22,23)?
The good news is, even if we’re withered and brown, God does not give up on us. Jesus told a parable about a tree that bore no fruit:
“A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any. 7 So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil? 8 “‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. 9 If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’” Luke 13:6-9
He is the patient gardener who does not give up on us but continues to provide us opportunities and circumstances to grow in Him.
But what’s even more amazing, He knew even this was not enough so He became “one with us” and became a tree Himself to rescue us.
Jesus is the Vine
Jesus used the metaphor of the tree to invite us into this intimate relationship:
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5
If we remain in Him, abiding in Him, praying, listening and living out His words, His Spirit nourishes us with that living water.
And we don’t have to fear the heat, whatever it may be.
As you seek shelter from the heat this week, may you also seek time with Jesus, being refreshed by Him.