Trust in the Lord

"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)

What is God's means of redeeming us from our sin-sickness that he describes in verses 7-8? That we abandon self-reliance and trust completely in him. What's the sign of someone who is healing from their sin-sickness? They abandon self and trust wholly in God. What does that look like? God is helpful here in creating that visual. He pictures a tree planted near water. Not in a desert, but near a source of life. As a result, it survives heat and drought. Even under bad conditions, it still looks OK and bears good fruit.

1. How do you plant yourself near God's supply of nourishment for you? Think of some examples of God's means of feeding you.

2. Trees don't grow alone. They are always together with other trees. What does this mean for you and your life as a Christian?

3. Trees don't move around looking for new sources of nourishment. They stay planted by the reliable source of water. What does this mean for you?

-- Charlie