Who Do You Trust?

Thus says the Lord, “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind and makes flesh his strength, and whose heart turns away from the Lord … Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and whose trust is the Lord.” Jeremiah 17:5 & 7 (NASB)

In the barren wasteland of our culture people pursue what makes them feel good for the moment. They attempt to escape from the reality of life by seeking pleasure with people. But God offers us a different choice from the wilderness of our pursuit of fun and comfort in this world. He provides streams of living water when we choose to delight in Him (Psalm 1:2-3, John 4:10).

Jeremiah was God’s prophet in a culture similar to ours. God spoke through Jeremiah to give His people a serious wake-up call. In the passage above, we see a contrast between people who depend upon other people and those who trust God. When we rely only on other human beings for our strength and turn away from God, Jeremiah reminds us that our lives become like dry deserts or uninhabited wildernesses (Jeremiah 17:6).

But those who trust in the Lord, have lives that flourish even under adverse circumstances, such as divorce or a job loss. God says that people whose trust is the Lord need not be fearful or anxious in difficulties because He will bless them like a tree planted by a stream (Jeremiah 17:8).

God gives us a choice between a life seeking fulfillment in the world or true life in Him through faith in His Son. As believers in Jesus, we know life on earth is not perfect, but we entrust ourselves to God. In Him we find abundant life.

Oh Lord, teach us how to make you our trust.

© 2013 Diane E. Hussey