SCRIPTURE:
7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. 8 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, or it does not cease to bear fruit.”
Jeremiah 17:7-8
OBSERVATION:
As God speaks through Jeremiah, he pleads for the people to repent their sins and restore their place as the Holy nation. If Judah will only come to a state of repentance than she can avoid the coming destruction.
In the midst of all the despair is a glimmer of hope. God says that if His people would only trust in Him that they would have the resource to withstand the coming drought and the ability to continue to bear fruit.
APPLICATION:
How do I gain this resource and remain fruitful even in times of drought? Cling to the Vine…in this case, send out my roots to the streams of living water. I do this by:
- Trusting in the Lord. It means I give Him complete control. Even when things around me seem in constant chaos I need to quit looking at all the problems around me and look up to the One who has conquered the world.
- I intentionally seek the stream. In those seasons of dryness, of no motivation or inspiration, it probably means I’ve moved my tree far from the banks of the stream. It’s those moments when my faith has morphed into religion and my devotion becomes a routine. I’m called to be fruitful and ready in and out of season, thus I need to intentionally and consistently seek His will through His word and receive life through Him.
- Remember and retain. One thing I notice is that I’m quick to receive the word of God, and quicker to forget what He just said. Pulling life and resource from the stream is not enough. I need to store it all properly. If I don’t then it’s like in one ear and out the other.
PRAYER:
Jesus, help me to trust You completely and keep my roots firmly planted in You. When life feels dry or uncertain, draw me back to Your living water. Help me seek You intentionally, remember Your Word, and hold onto what You have spoken. May my life remain green and fruitful in every season, because my trust is in You. Amen
