The person who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence indeed is the Lord, is blessed. He will be like a tree planted by water: it sends its roots out toward a stream, it doesn’t fear when heat comes, and its foliage remains green. It will not worry in a year of drought or cease producing fruit.

~Jeremiah 17:7-8 CSB

I planted a fast-growing, easily tended tree near the edge of my yard, confident it would quickly take root and shoot up. Sadly, although the plant and the planting were good, the position was poor. I didn’t consider how much watering it would require. Several of the same kind grew voluntarily around my tiny pond. Those trees flourished, but mine floundered. Proximity brings blessings. 

Position

When I am positioned to succeed, like the biblical plant, proximity brings blessings. Spending time daily in the Word brings nourishment and life. I send my roots out toward God in prayer, worship, and Bible study. Only when I am near Him can He nourish me.

Yet, my poorly placed plant soon lost its green leaves and turned brown and brittle. The roots had nothing to seek. Like a life apart from God, the surrounding soil may have looked good, but it lacked the life-giving water. 

Provision

When I’m planted in the living water, like the blessed tree, God banishes my fear. The tree doesn’t have to fear the heat, and I don’t have to fear the world. Whatever problems come my way, I’m safe in God’s loving arms. I can know He is near and will provide.

But when I’m like the ill-placed plant, fear haunts me. Problems loom and solutions flee. Peace disappears as I scramble for my own answers.

Productivity

Worry is unwarranted when I’m in God’s presence. Drought may come, but I find refreshment in His Word and His presence. Spiritual fruit doesn’t depend upon me. God is with me in the drought, and my fruit will not suffer.

The tree out of place fails to produce any fruit. Likewise, the life apart from the Master cannot accomplish its purpose. 

I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me.

~John 15:5 CSB

Make sure you are planted by the living water so your roots will seek God’s sustenance. Proximity brings blessings. 

Dear Lord, plant me in Your presence. May I continually seek You and the living water You offer. Amen. 

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2026: Proximity Brings Blessings: Sharon Davis: All Rights Reserved.