"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.” - Jeremiah 17:7-8
In this section of scripture, the prophet Jeremiah is calling out the fundamental sin of Judah: that God's people had turned away from the Lord. Because the "heart is deceitful above all things," Jeremiah contrasts verses 7-8 with verses 5-6. Instead of being blessed for trusting in the Lord, they had been cursed for "trusting in man, making flesh his strength." (v 5) Instead of flourishing like a tree planted by water, they were "like a shrub in the desert." (v 6) The same is true for us today. To experience the blessing of God's presence, we must trust him and seek to abide in him. Jesus said, "Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit." (John 15:5) As we dwell with Jesus, remain in the truth of his Word, and seek to apply his Word to every aspect of our lives we are stable and rooted like a tree planted by water, nourished by the life giving source of the gospel that reminds us of Jesus' death and resurrection for the forgiveness of our sins. We are able to endure in trials and suffering with leaves that do not wither and bearing fruit in any circumstance because Jesus is our strength. We have new life in him. With him there is everlasting joy, hope, and peace.
Questions:
When are you prone to trust in your own strength instead of God?
Do you see God's Word and prayer as a means of communing with him?
How can you grow in your time with the Lord each day?
Prayer:
Lord, I praise you for your kindness and steadfast love. I confess how prone I am to trust in my own abilities and strength rather than in you and what Jesus has accomplished for me on the cross. Would you incline my heart to your Word and prayer and help me to abide in Jesus throughout my day. I pray for leaves that don't wither and fruit that continuously grows for the glory of your name.
By Sean Lyons