But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. 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, NIV

Christmas is filled with cantatas, pageants, parties and dinners. Yet individuals experience famine, loneliness and a sense of being in a desert. Just to the east, in the shadows of the Sierra Nevada and past the Panamint and White Mountains, lies the lowest point on earth, Badwater Basin in Death Valley, 282 feet below sea level. What little precipitation falls collects and evaporates to accumulate salt crystals. 

Vegetation is sparse. The heat is stifling. But over 11 plants and 23 animals in Death Valley occur nowhere else. These species thrive in these conditions. We too, can grow and produce fruit in deserts or periods of drought. If our trust is in the Lord, he will sustain us. 

The key to thriving in drought is to reach out to the Lord. What are you doing with your roots? Are you making time to reach out to the Lord, our river, our source of vitality, renewal and sustenance? Every time we read his word, pray or worship, we extend our roots to the river. 

Prayer Guide:

1. Thank the Lord for being our river and source of life and pause to acknowledge his sovereignty and send out roots towards the river of life. 
2. Pray we will not fear during drought and tribulation. 
3. Pray the Lord would cause us to bear fruit that encourages others as we build community.