Trust in man results in fatal consequences for the future. Trust in God results in blessings now and for eternity. For a time, it might seem we do okay on our own, but we will eventually pay a price in the future and become confused in our direction. Following our own selfish desires rather than bowing before God’s direction through His word, will eventually lead to our destruction.
Do you trust in man or God?
Is your confidence in the Lord who created and knows all things, or is it in your own abilities or man’s intelligence?
You could say that right now, during this pandemic of Covid19, trust at its central core, is being challenged. If your trust is in your finances, take a look at the stock market. If your trust is in your employment, notice how many businesses have closed. If your trust is in your health, it seems no one is exempt from the possibility of catching this virus.
Jeremiah 17:5-6 gives us the result of trusting in man. Verses 7-8 tell of the blessings of trusting in God.
Jeremiah 17:7 "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD And whose trust is the LORD.
Our confidence and security are found in Christ alone. Even in difficult or uncertain times, joy and peace can fill your heart when focused on God. The temptation of man is to try to figure things out for himself. It is difficult to live in an unsettled time, yet we have great assurance in God’s truths.
Are you walking closer with Him or walking away, seeking comfort in other areas?
“Trials will come, even as heat and drought try every tree, but faith sets the believer above circumstances, and makes him always flourish”. Spurgeon Devotional Commentary
Psalm 34:8 O taste and see that the LORD is good; how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!
Ps 84:12 O LORD of hosts, How blessed is the man who trusts in Thee!
Notice the wording of Jeremiah 17:7 – Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and whose trust is the Lord. Not only is our trust to be placed in Jehovah God, our trust is Jehovah God. There is no room for anyone or anything else when it comes to our loyalty. Our trust resides in God, the character of who He is, what He has done and what He has promised. This is called security. This is called blessing, God’s favor upon His children.
How is man blessed by placing His trust in God alone?
Jeremiah 17:8 "For he will be like a tree planted by the water, that extends its roots by a stream and will not fear when the heat comes; But its leaves will be green, and it will not be anxious in a year of drought nor cease to yield fruit.
This is a clear word picture. Consider the contrast between a tree that has water coming from deep within the ground, and one that has an irregular sprinkling of water from the surface. The one grows large roots that run deep as they migrate toward their source of nourishment. The other grows shallow roots that lie on the surface. What happens when there is no rain and the ground dries out from heat and wind? The roots become weak. Have you pulled a dying tree or shrub from the ground only to find its roots were barley attached to the surface? It becomes obvious that it lacked the right nourishment to build a strong structure.
The tree is you. The waters are God. The source of your nourishment is God. When you are grounded in His truths, you will remain in them even as difficult circumstances come your way. Even better, you will continue to flourish, God will give you opportunities to share His hope and peace with others. Your trust in Him will remain strong and grow as you rely on Him. Your ministry may look different but it will continue.
Psalm 1:2-3 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. And he will be like a tree [firmly] planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers.
God blesses each of His children as they trust in Him alone. In His truths, you can remain strong, hopeful, and joyful for the future.
