Suburban Soul Sprinklers
Preacher: The Rev. Andrew Van Kirk
Scripture: Jeremiah 17:5-8
Series: Planted in Promise
We live in a world filled with spiritual sprinklers—temporary sources of emotional, material, or ideological hydration that keep us green on the surface but leave our roots shallow. They may keep us going for a while, but they can’t nourish us through drought. What God offers instead is living water—found not in the trappings of a busy or curated life, but in trust, belief, and deep-rooted faith. Like the tree planted by streams of water in Jeremiah’s vision, we are called to send our roots deep into God’s promises, drawing life not just for ourselves but for the sake of others. And when we do, even in times of hardship or scarcity, we bear fruit. Real fruit. Fruit that blesses the world.
Reflection Questions
Where do you most often turn for quick or artificial spiritual refreshment?
What would it look like to deepen your roots in God’s promises rather than relying on surface-level comforts?
How have you experienced seasons of spiritual drought, and what helped you endure?
In what ways might your life be bearing fruit for others?
What would it mean for you to become a tree by the stream—resilient, rooted, and quietly nourishing the world?
