In Jeremiah 17:5 and following, we get a look into the difference between a person who trusts in man and the person who trusts in God. The differences are like night and day.
In verses 5 and 6, we see that the person who trust in man and depends on flesh for his strength is cursed. This person is also described as having their heart turn away from the LORD. I believe this can allude to the person who trusts in other friends, themselves, governments, or anything other than God. Just like the Psalmist said, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God” (Psalm 20:7). People can trust in a variety of things, but none of these things give life and the foundation they offer is like shifting sand.
So what is this person like? The descriptions here are pretty drab and hopeless. A bush in the wasteland that does not see prosperity. This person’s thirsty soul is never quenched. This doesn’t sound like a place I want to visit though I have seen the affects of wandering scar my soul during some seasons of life.
The good news comes in verses 7 and 8. The opposite is true of the person who trusts in the LORD and puts their confidence in Him. What is true of this person? They are like a tree planted by water and this tree grows it’s roots deep down into the ground and finds water and life from a source unseen to the naked eye. These roots drink from a stream that never runs dry.
When heat comes, this person does not fear for he knows and ruthlessly trusts in the Lord. The most amazing thing is told to us next. In times of drought, this tree produces green leaves and does not dwell in worry during the dry spells. And by God’s grace and good pleasure, this person produces fruit for the world to see and wonder. As many see our good works and the fruit that pops out, they will praise our God who fills up empty and weak believers who trust in Him.
So what are you trusting in today? Your intelligence? Your ability to convince? Your future? Your spouse? Are you trusting in some future ministry to fill you or to validate your life? Are you trusting in ______________? You fill in the blank and get before the Lord and ask Him to reveal what you are trusting in other than Him. Repent, confess it to some fellow believers, and seek to trust in the Lord. It will always be a daily battle, but God will empower us to do what He calls us to do.
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