Trust in the Lord (Part 2)

In my previous article, we discussed Jeremiah 17:5-8. Those scriptures show a stark contrast between people trusting in God and those trusting in humans. I have been mulling over that article for days now. A part of me feels that it cannot be that simple. If you haven't yet read my previous article, please go and read that article before you read this one. This article aims to build upon the previous one.

Most of the time, when I am finished writing an article, I feel happy that the message that I wanted to convey has been completed. I rarely continue to brood over what I have written for days on end. Well, the previous article was different. It has been about a week now, and now and then, my mind drifts back to what I wrote. I felt that the article was not done.

Over the years, in my wandering with God, I have learned that when the Holy Spirit continuely bring a topic or message to mind, then there surely is something He wants me to learn or understand.

To go back to my previous point; can it be that simple? By merely trusting God, putting my hope in Him, or, as we learned, making Him my hope, can I represent the tree next to the water? If it is that simple, why do most believers feel more like the shrub in the desert than the tree planted by the water?

We know the Bible is God's word. We know that all scripture is God-breathed

2 Timothy 3:16. The words on the pages of the Bible were not just inspired by God, but according to Paul, it is breathed by God. Hold your hand in front of your mouth while you talk. Do you feel the hot air on your hand? Well, that is exactly what Paul meant. The words in the Bible came from God. He used human vessels to put it to pages, but they originated from Him.

We also know that God does not lie. All of God's promises are YES and AMEN through Jesus Christ, 2 Corinthians 1:20. So, God's promise that we will be like a tree planted by the water if we trust Him is not an empty promise. If that is not an empty promise, the opposite is true. When we put our trust in humans, our lives will resemble a shrub in the desert.

Let's go back to my question then; why do we not see that truth reflected in those who profess to be followers of Christ?

One of the key features mentioned regarding this most blessed tree, which is planted by the river, was that it continued to stay green and produce fruit, even in heat and long months of drought. Jeremiah 17:7-8. By all accounts, that would be a difficult place to be in. Heat and drought. The tough fact about heat and drought is that they often go together. The Bible is painting a picture of suffering.

Here in Melbourne, we often reach temperatures of 40+ Celcius in summer. The days when the thermometer reaches those high notes are extremely uncomfortable and potentially dangerous if those hot days are accompanied by drought. This picture that Jeremiah creates tells us a story of severe difficulties. Jeremiah never suggests that the person who trusts God will never see difficulties in their life. No, he rather points out that they stay green and bear fruit even in times of great difficulties.

How is that possible? Well, Jeremiah gives us the answer. They have roots that reach deep into the water. The water is the source of life for the tree. It represents God for us. As believers, we must be continually plugged into our life source, God.

This is, unfortunately, where the difficulty comes in. How do we remain connected to the source of life? I know everyone reading this article will already have some answers; read the Bible, pray, and fellowship through church and small groups. All of these answers are, of course, correct.

The definition of trust is a firm belief in the integrity, ability, or character of a person or thing; confidence or reliance. Is that what your trust in God looks like? Do you have a firm belief in His integrity and ability? Does your trust depend upon the place where you are at? If you are in a good place financially or in good health, then your trust is strong, but what if your circumstances change?

That is my challenge for everyone reading today. If tomorrow looks completely different than today, will you still say, "Blessed be the name of the Lord", or will you say, like Job's wife, "Curse God and die?" We know that nothing in life is certain except God. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever more.

May I urge you today to think about who you trust? Do you really trust God? Do your roots go deep into His living waters? If, through the conviction of the Holy Spirit, you realise today that your trust is not where it is supposed to be, then humble yourself and ask God to forgive you.

If you are not reading your Bible as you ought and not spending time praying as you should, stop making excuses and start doing what you know is right. Faith comes by hearing the Word. Faith and trust are intertwined. You cannot have faith in God if you don't trust Him. Prayer connects us to the vine. Through prayer, we can push the roots of our tree deep into His living water.

Connect to a Bible-preaching church that will challenge you. We do not grow if we are not challenged. We also grow weak and weary when we try to live independently from God. Fellow believers are there to help us grow stronger.

Last but not least is obedience, which shows who we trust. What is God asking of you today, and how are you responding? Responding to that still, small voice and doing what is right, even if you are the only one, shows more than anything where your trust lies. James writes very aptly in James 2:17, "Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."

We don't know what tomorrow holds, but we do know Who holds tomorrow.

This beautiful hymn by Ida F. Stanphill says it all:

I don't know about tomorrow

1. I don't know about tomorrow, I just live from day to day. I don't borrow from its sunshine, For its skies may turn to gray. I don't worry o'er the future, For I know what Jesus said, And today I'll walk beside Him, For He knows what is ahead.

Refrain: Many things about tomorrow, I don't seem to understand; But I know who holds tomorrow, And I know who holds my hand.

2. Every step is getting brighter, As the golden stairs I climb; Every burden's getting lighter; Every cloud is silver lined. There the sun is always shining, There no tear will dim the eye, At the ending of the rainbow, Where the mountains touch the sky. [Refrain]

3. I don't know about tomorrow, It may bring me poverty; But the one who feeds the sparrow, Is the one who stands by me. And the path that be my portion, May be through the flame or flood, But His presence goes before me, And I'm covered with His blood.

God Bless