Read Jeremiah 17

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, And whose hope is 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, Nor will cease from yielding fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:7–8)

It's amazing how quickly we devise schemes and plans and strategies of our own in attempt to flourish and feel secure.

When the heat comes, we run to whatever man-made plan is nearby and we immediately trust in it. But when that plan fails, we execute Plan B, then Plan C, and so forth. We run around like a squirrel looking for acorns before winter comes. As comedic as that sounds, it's alarming how accurate it describes the man who trusts in himself and his own plans.

“Thus says the LORD: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man And makes flesh his strength, Whose heart departs from the LORD.” ” (Jeremiah 17:5)

Granted, it is human nature to insist on trusting ourselves more than God. The sinful part of our being doesn't want God's help. It would rather strive in its own pride to prove that we have it all under control. Yes, "the carnal mind is at enmity with God" (see Romans 8:7) and "the heart is desperately wicked" (see Jeremiah 17:9), but you, Beloved, “are not in the flesh but in the Spirit.” (see Romans 8:9)

Therefore, live by faith and place your trust in the God of your salvation! There is no need for multifaceted plans when you have the Almighty as your hope. Let your plan be God Himself!

“A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)

Or what? — do think your circumstances are out of God's scope to handle? Certainly not! So trust Him, dear friend! Trust Him!

Have we not just read together in our verse of how happy and blessed you will be if you trust the Lord? You will always flourish under His tender care. Your roots will spread out and prosper in His garden. Your leaves will always been green, even in the blazing heat, as you are planted by the river of Living Waters. And though drought may threaten, you will never cease from yielding fruit.

Yes indeed, how happy is the man who trusts in the Lord!

“Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! Oh, fear the LORD, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him. The young lions lack and suffer hunger; But those who seek the LORD shall not lack any good thing.” (Psalm 34:8–10)

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