Podcast (daily-devotion): Play in new window | Download | Embed

[expand title=”Devotion Text”] 

Jeremiah 17:7-8

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.

Don’t place your faith in nouns. Sooner or later every person will disappoint, every place will lose its luster, and every thing will wear out. But there is One who will never disappoint. That’s why the person who puts their trust in God will be blessed. Today’s verse gives three benefits of trusting in the Lord.

• Constant Nourishment. The person who trusts in the Lord is like a tree planted by a stream. The roots make their way to the fresh and steady flow. The tree will never lack for food. So, the believer whose confidence is in the Lord will have no lack of spiritual sustenance.
• Constant Protection. The heat comes but the tree by the stream is appropriately shielded. There is enough sun to make it grow but not too much to burn its leaves. Likewise, the believer will experience heat through various circumstances and challenges. We need the heat to make us grow but God will always be there to protect us. He will not give us more than we can bear.
• Constant Fruit. Dry times occur but the tree planted by the stream has everything it needs to bear fruit. As believers we will experience dry spiritual times…but connected to the Source of nourishment and protection we will continue to produce the good works that God prepared in advance for us to do (Eph. 2:10).

So…two questions: In whom or what do you trust? In whom or what do you place your confidence? The answer to those questions will determine whether you are receiving the nourishment, protection, and fruit that come from dependence on the heavenly Father.

Talking to God

Father, make us like trees planted by streams of water. Please nourish and protect us. Allow us to accomplish the good works you have prepared for us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

[/expand]

 

---

 

Today on The Journey Broadcast:

 

Anointed