Trust Like a Tree by Water
“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
Jeremiah 17:7-8
During the fall of Assyrian rule in Israel and rise of Babylon, Jeremiah, the “persevering prophet” was led by the Holy Spirit to warn the people of Judah to repent and turn back to the one, true God. He observed his people actively “forgetting” the covenant God had made with their forefathers, and watched them seek after pagan gods (Jeremiah 17:1-3).
Through Jeremiah, God told the people of Judah they would pay the price of forsaking Him, worshipping on the “high places”, building “altars and their Asherim”. They would lose their wealth, their country, and they would have to serve their enemies in a foreign land.
Upon this backdrop two belief systems are contrasted. The first has turned from the Lord and trusts in his own strength, “He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in parched places… in an uninhabited salt land.” (Jeremiah 17:5,6).
The other second belief system puts trust in God alone. “Blessed is he who trusts in 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… it does not cease to bear fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:8)
How do we know if we are planted by the life-giving "water" of the Gospel? The Gospel is the best news, that through Christ’s atoning blood, we can turn back to God, be forgiven of our wrongs and be made right, and joyfully follow Him.
Jeremiah 17 says that there are three indicators of this planting.
Through Jeremiah, God told the people of Judah they would pay the price of forsaking Him, worshipping on the “high places”, building “altars and their Asherim”. They would lose their wealth, their country, and they would have to serve their enemies in a foreign land.
Upon this backdrop two belief systems are contrasted. The first has turned from the Lord and trusts in his own strength, “He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in parched places… in an uninhabited salt land.” (Jeremiah 17:5,6).
The other second belief system puts trust in God alone. “Blessed is he who trusts in 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… it does not cease to bear fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:8)
How do we know if we are planted by the life-giving "water" of the Gospel? The Gospel is the best news, that through Christ’s atoning blood, we can turn back to God, be forgiven of our wrongs and be made right, and joyfully follow Him.
Jeremiah 17 says that there are three indicators of this planting.
- Roots are sent out, there is a draw to seek truth in God's word, the "stream of wisdom".
- The absence or control of fear during trials and in times of need. Resting and walking in the Lord's wisdom and provision overpowers fear.
- Fruit continues to be produced in our lives in the highs and lows of life.
Prayer: Father, Thank you for aligning my steps and bringing me to a knowledge of you and the free gift of salvation through your Son, Jesus. Thank you for the gift of repentance. Lord, please soften my heart when it becomes hardened towards you. Would You strengthen my faith and plant me by water? Would you place in me a supernatural desire to know you more, by your Word, in prayer, through biblical community? Would you continue to bless me by pruning my life, refreshing my spirit and cleansing my mind? Thank you, Lord.
Posted in 40 Days of Prayer