Jeremiah 17:5 This is what the Lord says: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord.
Lord, The picture you create here is so clear, so vivid. Those who trust in man, in themselves, are “cursed,” doomed to wander in “the wastelands,” “parched,” dried up, abandoned. No part of that picture is appealing, and yet, even though I *know,* I KNOW You are with me always, You are working all things for my good and Your glory, even though I know these truths, I struggle to trust, I struggle with doubt and fear.
Jeremiah 17:6 That person will be like a bush in the wastelands; they will not see prosperity when it comes. They will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives.
Lord, I do trust You, I DO, and yet I am so consumed by doubt and fear at times. We have dealt with this very issue again and again and again, You and I. My inner critic wants to beat myself up for my inability to “Let go and let God,” but I know that’s not helpful. You are my refuge and strength, Lord, my ever present help in times of trouble. My head understands this, as does my heart, but still I am afraid.
Jeremiah 17:7 “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.
Lord, I know “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You” (Isaiah 26:3). I want Your peace so desperately. And I know *I* am the one who has to fully surrender this fear so that I can take up Your mantle of peace. Help me, Jesus. Help me. Amen.
Jeremiah 17:8 They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
Have a blessed day. I love you.