“Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.”
Jeremiah 17:7-8 (KJV)
Through the Prophet Jeremiah, God identifies Israel’s folly of carnal confidences, which would fail them when God came to examine their relationship with Him. The message is clear: Don’t misplace your confidence when distresses come.
In today’s passage, Jeremiah portrays the total satisfaction of the person who places their confidence in God. This person lives by faith in God and His promises. This person commits himself to God and His guidance at all times. This person relaxes in God’s care and rests in His love during the most distressful times.
Such trust and confidence comes from being planted in God. God is all-sufficient to strengthen us when others fail us and to protect us from personal attacks. We have constant hope in God’s favor and power to keep us.
Planted in God, we possess the comfort and serenity of His life! Planted in God, we possess the peace of His protection from the heat and drought of life’s circumstances! Planted in God, we possess the satisfaction of fruitfulness . . . achieving His purpose for our lives!
Dear Father, thank you for planting us in your Kingdom beside your river. Enable us to both trust you and to glorify you with our fruitfulness. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today by your confidence in God,