I love trees. God tells us we are trees of righteousness. In Isaiah 61:3 it says, To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. Our healing, our growth, our joy, our praise is all to give Him glory. Our lives are to be walked out to give God the glory. How am I walking? Am I glorifying God in my life. Am I walking in truth, mercy, justice? Micah 6:8 says:

He has showed you, O man, what is good.

And what does the LORD require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy

and to walk humbly with your God.

So simply. Yet I fall short daily. I want my heart to break for what breaks God's heart. I want to have the courage to stand up for truth in the midst of opposition. I want to show mercy to those who need mercy. I don't want to turn my head away from those who make me uncomfortable. Because, truly, that's where I find Jesus. He is with the broken hearted, the sick, the poor, the needy, the oppressed. He is there wanting to give them joy, healing, praise, and beauty. He gave it to me. He wants me to give out what He has given to me. He did this work in me so that He can be glorified. The world needs to see Him. How can they see him? Through us. Through me. Through you. Don't let fear stop you. Take courage. He is with you every step of the way. Face what is before you with confidence that He is with you.

We are trees planted by water. God is our living water. Psalms 1:3 says:

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

God is with you. His life sustains us. So that He can be glorified.