Planted in Hope

 

“That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.”

—Psalm 1:3 

Lent invites us into a season of waiting, longing, and holy discomfort. It is a time to recognize our deep need for God and to honestly name the ache we often feel in our souls. Romans 8:22-27 speaks directly to this ache, describing creation itself groaning for redemption. We, too, groan inwardly, longing for the full restoration of our bodies and the world around us. Lent places us right in the middle of this tension—between what is and what will be.

Yet, in this place of groaning, we are not left alone. Paul reminds us that the Spirit of God intercedes for us, praying with sighs too deep for words. When we do not know how to pray—when our longings are too raw to name—the Spirit carries our silent cries into the heart of the Father. What a comfort for those weary from waiting.

Psalm 1:1-3 offers us an image of how to wait well. The blessed person is described as a tree planted by streams of water, whose roots sink deep into God’s Word. Even when life feels dry or uncertain, this tree does not wither because it is constantly nourished. Lent is an invitation to become this kind of tree—to plant ourselves near the stream of God’s presence, to meditate on His Word, to let it soak into our dry and longing hearts.

When groaning meets planting, hope takes root. We do not deny the ache, but we anchor it in God’s promises. As we fast, pray, and reflect this season, may we be both honest about our groaning and faithful to plant ourselves near the life-giving stream. This is the hope of Lent: we are being watered, even as we wait for the fullness of God’s redemption to come.

Prayer:

Lord, in this season of waiting and longing, plant me near Your living water. Nourish my soul with Your Word, and teach me to trust You in the groaning. May I be rooted in hope, bearing fruit for Your glory. Amen.

Lenten Practice

If you are fasting from something this Lent, let your hunger or desire remind you to drink from the stream of God’s Word instead.