What the Trees Taught Me About Trust

It’s almost time for Fall! Reminds me of a walk I took last year. The air was crisp, the leaves turning gold. I noticed a row of tall trees letting go of their leaves — slowly, one at a time. No rushing. No panic. Just letting go when it was time.

It struck me: trees don’t force seasons. They don’t try to hold onto summer when it’s gone, and they don’t push for spring before it’s ready. They trust the process.

Roots in the Right Place

Jeremiah 17:7–8 says:

“Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. They will be like a tree planted by the water…”

The tree’s ability to let go comes from its roots. Because it’s nourished from the right source, it doesn’t fear what’s next. There is a steady dependence that comes from where it has rooted into. Isn’t that a comfort?

Trusting God’s Timing

We often want to control our seasons. We want God to speed up the good and skip the hard. But trust means believing that the God who made the seasons knows exactly when it’s time to let go, and when it’s time to grow again. This rootedness brings both this wisdom and ability to endure the pace and need of change. 

What I’m Letting Go Of

Recently, I’ve had to release the pain associated with the sudden loss of my Husky. It wasn’t easy, but in the letting go, I’ve found a strange peace — like the tree, I know the next season will come when it’s ready. The key has been to not allow holding onto something to an extent that delays the change and growth God wants to take place. The number of details is like the number of leaves of an Oak tree, so numerous are all the moments and variables that it really isn’t for us to bear the burden of each one. 

Reflection Question: What is one thing you need to release in this season so you can trust God with what’s next?

Although it can be painful, letting go and acceptance is a skill that many avoid developing. Simply because it causes real pain or intense experiences. However, isn’t that the exact place where deep roots into God’s care and strength enable the ability to let go? 

May you find yourself trusting deeper and enabled to be a person free to let go. 

Keep Looking Up, 

Micah