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But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. . . . —Jeremiah 17:7-8
Cursed is the one who trusts in man, but blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord. These are lifetime statements that give a broad overview of the difference between two directions in life. The first statement depicts people who continually look to others to solve their problems. Getting help from others is not wrong, but the Lord says, “Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans and turn their hearts away from the Lord. They are like stunted shrubs in the desert, with no hope for the future. They will live in the barren wilderness, on the salty flats where no one lives” (Jeremiah 17:5). To such people, trusting in God and His Word is foolishness. They feel their best option in any circumstance is to follow the way of the world. The second statement describes those who trust in the Lord. In every circumstance, they know they are planted beside a continual stream of refreshment under which their roots lie. Though drought, famine, and heat may sear everything around them, their roots draw strength from the unchangeable nature of God. People expect them to wither, dry up, and crack, but those who trust in the Lord remain ever green and fruitful through all circumstances. Trust God. He will “subdue [your] enemies” and “feed you with the best of foods” (Psalm 81:14, 16)!
Suggested Reading:
Jeremiah 16:16-18:23
1thessalonians 4:1-5:3
Psalm 81:1-16
Proverbs 25:6-8