Trust in the Living God

7 "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. 8 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." ESV Jeremiah 17:7-8

The more time I spend studying Jeremiah, the more I fall in love the book and the Prophet. His words always paint vivid pictures in my mind and his message is always timely. Today’s verse is no exception.

Study the verse above and let your mind wander; paint a picture in your mind. I see a large mature beech tree next to a stream in the woods. Its canopy unfolds some seventy feet high filtering brilliant sunlight that’s streaming down. Green leaves flutter in the breeze. Its roots hold steadfast as they reach deep into the soil in around the stream seeking nourishment. The forest floor is soft and fertile from years of shedding and many smaller trees have sprouted from its root so that even when it eventually falls, its legacy will live on.

The picture in your mind is no doubt different than mine, but I hope the image you have is one of steadfastness, flourishing, and legacy. So too are the traits of those who trust in the Lord. They are steadfast regardless of circumstances. They flourish even when life brings drought and they leave a legacy (their faith) when they pass.

Steadfast. That’s how you describe those who trust in the Lord. They are not tossed about and distracted by every doctrine that comes along. Instead, they hold steadfast in the truth of God’s word and seek it for nourishment. Circumstances change (jobs, health, wealth, etc.) but they remain steadfast in the truth of God’s word.

Those who trust in the Lord also flourish in all kinds of circumstances. They live out their faith each day regardless of what it brings. They glorify God when life is filled with abundance and they glorify God when life is filled with tragedy. How? They flourish in and through Christ.

Finally, those who trust in the Lord leave a legacy; their faith. Through their witness and daily living others are brought to the faith in the Lord. What greater legacy could we leave?

Many of you know my favorite saying: “Every day is a good day.” Some folks would beg to differ, but for Christians, the saying holds true. I am well aware that many days bring disappointment and even tragedy. But I don’t contend that every day is pleasant, but instead good. Every day is good, if for no other reason, because it is a gift from God. (Admittedly, for unrepentant sinners, the saying can never be true.)

My saying was put to the test this past week. Many of you knew Mark Smith. Mark was killed in a tragic accident last week. As I spoke to the family and looked into their eyes, I saw hope through their tears. That blessed hope that only Christians enjoy; the hope and faith that Mark has left this world to be with his Lord and that one day they’ll be reunited.

They have that hope and faith because of the confidence they have in the God Mark worshipped. You see, Mark’s trust was in the Lord. And like the beech tree I picture when I read Jeremiah, Mark stood steadfast in the truth of God’s word and he flourished in that he shared the love of God in all circumstances. Even in death, he has left a legacy because he shared his faith with others.

Trust in the living God is what allows Christians to see each day as good even when circumstances are tragic. Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord.