Planted by the Wadi...

*Taken from my journal on 01/29/09 after seeing an example of a plant in the desert that has tapped into a hidden source of water.*

Out in the desert today, marveling at the few green plants in a particularly dry area, we talked about Psalm 1. We are told that the man who:

1. Walks not in the counsel of the wicked
2. Nor stands in the way of sinners
3. Nor sits in the seat of scoffers
4. But his delight is in the law of the Lord
5. And in His law he meditates day and night

We are told that this man is “like a tree planted by streams of water” or “like a tree planted by the wadi.”

A wadi is a place in the desert where there is a hidden source of water beneath the ground of otherwise dry riverbed. The believer who avoids the constant company of the irreverent and who delights in God’s law and meditates on it constantly is like a tree with a hidden source of water in a dry and barren place.

This has huge implications for seasons of dryness. While it is true that trials come in life which test our faith, we have to remember that we have a hidden source. Though outwardly it may seem that we should be parched, worn out and our life should be failing, we are able to remain ever green.

It is a strange sight to see one green plant in the midst, not only of barren earth, but also of other plants that have dried out and died. To see those withered bushes, my main thought was: “if only they could have pushed a little deeper; the water was there; they could have survived; they just didn’t reach deep enough.”

How frequently can that be said of us? We complain of fatigue, of dryness, of heaviness. But how often do we really cast our cares upon Him? How often do we really allow the Word to wash us? What a waste of such a precious resource.

I know the world is dry around you, but don’t give up. There is fresh, cool water – there is refreshing for you. Just push a little deeper. Drop your roots into the wadi… and live.