Be like a Tree (Jeremiah 17:7-8) (2 Timothy 1:7) (1 Corinthians 13:8)

 

Be like a Tree (Jeremiah 17:7-8)

I like this verse in the Bible so much.  This is one of my goals in life.  The verses before these ones are the alternative life one gets if they do not trust the Lord.

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.  They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.  It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green.  It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”        (Jeremiah 17:7-8)

Over the years I have noticed some improvement in my life as the Lord has used this verse to help me to trust him more and more.  I used to be very anxious because of my mental illness.  To get back to this verse.  The trust that we must have in the Lord must ideally be unshakeable because he is unshakeable.  Our reliance must be on him and his ability to do something about the situation we are in.  It must be so easy for us to focus down on our situation rather than him.

Notice also where the roots are planted.  In a well watered ground by the river.  For this we must spend much time in meditation and communion with the Lord and be close by his side.  Your company matters and where you get your teaching from.  Make sure that whoever you listen to is also well rooted and watered in the Lord.

There are two references to ‘fears’ in these verses and "God has not given us a spirit of fear" (2 Timothy 1:7) "but of power, love, and sound judgment."  Therefore, we persevere.  It is that love of God in us that keeps us going because "Love never fails." (1 Corinthians 13:8)