Jeremiah 17:7 - Blessings from Trust, Hope and Confidence in the Lord.
Jeremiah 17:7 (NLT) But blessed are those
who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD
their hope and confidence.
COMMENTARY PEARL
My eldest daughter lives in eastern
Washington State, and we make the five-hour drive to
visit her a couple of times each year. The scenery
changes dramatically when we cross the mountains
east of Seattle. Forest greenery and lakes behind
us, we enter a parched landscape complete with
tumbleweeds. It resembles a scene from an old Western
movie with one exception - fruit orchards.
The region's heat and soil provide ideal
conditions for growing apples, peaches, apricots, and
grapes. But success also depends on irrigation.
Without that moisture, the orchards would shrivel
and die.
Every time we travel this road, I marvel
at the contrast between the fruit-producing
irrigated land and the brown, scorched hills. It
reminds me of my relationship with Jesus. Apart from
Him, my life would resemble those sunbaked hills.
But because He's drawn me into relationship with
Him, I'm like a well-watered tree that flourishes
with hope, peace, and joy no matter what adverse
conditions I face. The more I get to know Him, the more
I grow in every aspect of my life and the more
fruit I produce.
Jesus is the well that never runs dry.
Blessed are we when we make Him our hope and
confidence. by Grace Fox
Faith Step: Eat some fresh fruit today -
a handful of grapes, an apple, a peach, or an
apricot. As you munch, read Jeremiah 17:5-9 and note
the contrast between people who follow Jesus and
those who don't. [Mornings With Jesus 2019
Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan]
COMMENTARY
Any number of circumstances can unleash a
flash flood of disappointment in our hearts. For
the most part, we're able to muster emotional
strength to stem the tide. But when one bad thing
piles on top of the next, discouragement begins to
overwhelm us. We wake up one morning to realize we've
lost every bright prospect for a better day.
When our hopes are tied to our
circumstances, in the way "life works out," we're bound to
be disappointed. Because life on this side of
heaven hardly ever falls together the way we wish,
plan, or expect. It's a fragile house of cards,
and we keep praying that nobody bumps the table.
Real, biblical hope, however, isn't tied to
circumstances. It is tied to God, the One who never
changes, who loves us with an everlasting love, who
promises to work through even hurtful and
incomprehensible situations for our good, and who has
reserved our new home with Him in heaven.
Lord, the psalmist David reminds me that
You know how weak I am and You remember I'm only
made of dust (Psa. 103:14). You know how I so
foolishly tie my hopes and expectations to temporary,
passing things. Help me to readjust my heart today.
Help me to rest my deepest hopes in You. [A
Spectacle of Glory by Joni Eareckson Tada and Larry
Libby]
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
Trust Me in every detail of your life.
Nothing is random in My kingdom. Everything that
happens fits into a pattern for good, to those who
love Me. Instead of trying to analyze the
intricacies of the pattern, focus your energy on
trusting Me and thanking Me at all times. Nothing is
wasted when you walk close to Me. Even your
mistakes and sins can be recycled into something
good, through My transforming grace.
While you were still living in darkness,
I began to shine the Light of My Presence into
your sin-stained life. Finally, I lifted you up
out of the mire into My marvelous Light. Having
sacrificed My very Life for you, I can be trusted in
every facet of your life. (Jer. 17:7; Rom. 8:28;
Psa 40:2; 1 Pet. 2:9) [Jesus Calling by Sarah
Young]
CLOSING THOUGHT
Our minds cannot be full of God at the
same time they are full of fear! Dont get lost
in your troubles. Lift up your eyes! He will
keep in perfect peace all those who trust in him,
whose thoughts turn often to the Lord! (Isaiah
26:3 TLB).
Are you troubled, restless, sleepless?
Then rejoice in the Lords Sovereignty. I dare
you. I double-dog dare you - to expose your
worries to an hour of worship. Your concerns will
melt like ice on an August sidewalk!
Jeremiah draws a direct connection
between faith and peace. Blessed is the man who
trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is in the Lord.
For he shall be like a tree planted by the
waters, which spreads out its roots by the river,
and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf
will be green, and will not be anxious in the
year of drought (Jeremiah 17:7-8 NKJV). [Max
Lucado Daily Devotional at maxlucado.com]
LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS PASSAGE
Jeremiah 17:7: Trusting in Man or God?
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2006/20061012-1010.html
Jeremiah 17:7: Postcard From Heaven.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/1997/19971024-0000.html
YOUR COMMENTS
If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in
hearing from you. Thanks in advance and let's keep
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred
Gibbs
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
Most Important Decision in Life:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0
A Man without Equal by Bill Bright:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo
Seeking God Made Real:
http://vimeo.com/31489782
Prayer Made Real:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE
Importance of Choice:
http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice [click on video]
Medical Seminar on Healthful Living by David
DeRose, MD, MPH:
https://www.smartlifestyletv.com/lifestart
LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES
Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies:
http://www.liftingupjesus.net/
Amazing Facts Bible Studies:
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx
Glow Tract Video Bible Studies:
http://www.bibleresearch.info/
LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS
The Last Day of Prophecy by Pastor Doug
Batchelor:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmGvdtMCf1aJTiC59-lPtuUMEq_uEn0BK
Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657
