Sometimes the most powerful stories in gaming come from the smallest details. In Ghost of Yotei, one of those details is a tree, a Ginkgo Tree, to be specific. What seems like simple background art actually carries deep meaning for the entire story. This episode of Geek Devotions explores what that tree represents and how it mirrors our own call to resilience and faith.
(Want to see the full devotion in action? You can watch the full video episode of this devotion on our YouTube channel!)
Like many players, I’ve been diving deep into Ghost of Yotei lately. The gameplay is solid, the story gripping, and the world is just stunning. But what really grabbed me was this recurring symbol of the Ginkgo Tree. According to the dev team, the Ginkgo Tree was chosen for a reason: it represents resilience. Historically, Ginkgo Trees have survived droughts, harsh weather, and even the bombings of Hiroshima. They’re known for their ability to grow new roots and shoots even after suffering great trauma. And that mirrors the game’s protagonist, Atsu, perfectly.
Atsu’s story is one marked by loss and pain. Yet, like the Ginkgo, she refuses to die inside. She digs deep, finds new strength, and continues to grow. Her roots, her values, and the lessons from her parents keep her grounded even as she faces new battles. It’s a reminder for us that resilience isn’t about ignoring pain; it’s about growing through it.
This made me think about what God told His people in Jeremiah 17:7-8:
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”
When life gets chaotic, when trauma, disappointment, or betrayal hits, it’s easy to want to scorch the earth and start over. But that’s not what healing looks like. Healing looks like staying planted, trusting God, and letting Him grow new roots in us. It looks like going back to prayer, Scripture, and community, the spiritual soil that sustains us.
Maybe you’ve been hurt by people in the church or burned out by religion. I get that. But don’t give up on God because of the actions of others. Your roots are found in Him, not them. Dig back into who He is. Grow new roots. Find strength and healing through His Word and His presence.
Atsu had to return home before she could move forward. She had to rediscover her roots, and we often need to do the same. We can’t stay bitter or stagnant. We have to grow past the pain, even when it’s hard. Because that’s where life happens. That’s where fruit begins to grow again.
So today, take a moment to breathe. Ask God to reveal your roots and how to grow deeper. You are stronger than you think, and with Him, you can be resilient like that Ginkgo Tree.