Lent Day 15

Jeremiah 17:7-8

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,

whose confidence is in him.

They will be like a tree planted by the water

that sends out its roots by the stream.

It does not fear when heat comes;

its leaves are always green.

It has no worries in a year of drought

and never fails to bear fruit.”

I did a quick search this morning and found several different passages that say “Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord” and then some kind of reassurance that follows.  Todays scripture is full of God’s promises and comfort.  But first, what does it mean to trust the Lord, to have confidence in Him? 

There are two different sides to trust, what we understand and have confidence in about the person we are trusting and also, what it allows for us in the relationship with that person.   To trust someone, means you have confidence in that person because of their proven character.  You believe their integrity is upright, not only are they going to do what they say, they also have the capability to do so and are reliable to get it done.  When we have confidence in someone, it allows a freedom in that relationship, a freedom to confide in them, to rely on and share with them.  It gives us a sense of security and safety.     Having a relationship with someone you can trust is a blessing and God could stop right there and make His point.  But instead He goes on to give us a list of  blessings we receive beyond the blessing of Him being trustworthy.  

They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream –  A tree planted by water is placed exactly where it needs to be to grow and flourish.   When we trust in God, He does the same for us.  He plants us right where we need to be to grow and flourish, for He provides  all of our needs to do so.  He brings us comfort for we do not want, and security for our needs are meet.  

It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green – a tree planted by water has no need to be afraid of heat that can damage or kill it, because it’s roots have reached the water.  It is protected.  This is a promise to us there is no need to fear trials in our lives, for when we trust in God, He establishes our relationship and will provide all we need to survive.  Through those trials He promises us comfort, inner peace and satisfaction.   When we have that, no matter what we go through, we can glorify God and be a testament to Him that He is good all the time.  We will always have green leaves, always be an image of God’s beauty. 

It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. – A tree planted by water always bears fruit.   Those that trust in the Lord, that are in relationship with the Lord, those that receive His grace and mercy will always bear fruit.  They will be a blessing to others and in themselves be blessed.  

Those that trust in the Lord are filled with God’s benefits or blessings. A life that is planted by water with no fear, always green and has the joy of being fruitful.   We can choose a life with Him or without Him, a life of blessings or a life of destruction.   It seems to me there is only one path to choose. 

Grace and Peace,

LeAnn