Trees can talk to each other. They have a network of fungi that join their roots, and they communicate through the network. Some trees even give off chemicals that other trees can read to warn of an insect attack.
Two of the most spectacular trees are the Bristle Cone Pine and the Rainbow Eucalyptus. The pine grows where almost no other plant will grow. It is resilient to harsh weather and poor soil. Despite these bad conditions, the oldest Bristle Cone Pine is 4,800 years old.
The Rainbow Eucalyptus has smooth, orange-tinted bark. It sheds the bark in strips to reveal streaks of pale green, orange, red, gray, and purple-brown.
However, the most wonderful tree is the tree planted by the water. This tree symbolizes what we are like when we trust in the Lord and have confidence in Him. When we do, we have rivers of living water flowing from within us.
This living water is the Holy Spirit (Jeremiah 17:7-8). From this living water, we receive spiritual blessings, life-giving power, and eternal life. We no longer need the things of this world, such as power and riches, to quench our thirst for life. These things always fail us and leave us like dry bushes in the wastelands.
This tree—a symbol of us as we trust and have confidence in the Lord—does not fear the heat and drought of bad times, troubles, or evils. Its leaves are always green, and it never ceases to bear fruit.
Sometimes, when we go through difficult times, our attitude of faith will be a witness to the Lord. During personal grief, our prayer life for others bears much fruit. At other times, when the Lord has worked out our troubles, our witness to His power in our lives is the fruit we bear.
Having trust and confidence in the Lord allows us to be like a green, fruit-bearing tree, no matter what happens. Practice trusting in the Lord every day for even the smallest of things. Then, when the hard times come, you will be ready to trust and have confidence in Him. You will always be a green and fruitful tree.
Eugenia Daniels is a writer.