WEDNESDAY IN THE WORD    August 9, 2023

“HOPE AND CONFIDENCE IN THE LORD”

“But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the

Lord their hope and confidence, They are like trees planted along the riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green and they never stop producing fruit.”

Jeremiah 17:7-8 NLT

Growing up in California we are accustomed to the word “Drought” so much so that it has become second nature to us. We’renever surprised when we hear mandatory rationing of water and planting drought resistant plants. While we don’t know exactly what our future outlook will be, but we do know Who Holds the Future. In Jeremiah 17:7-8 the message is quite clearly stated. Let’s start with the phrase “Blessed are those who put their trust in the LORD.” What does that mean? It means that when we come to a decision, it will be better for us if we make our decision by faithfully seeking God first.

Placing our hope firmly in the LORD promises abundant blessings even in the most difficult days. God will carry us through it when our expectation is in Him. In this passage the prophet Jeremiah describes a person whose hope is in the LORD as a tree that spreads out its roots by the river (verse 8). We draw vitality from Him. This person does not fear when the heat comes or when he goes through the fire, like the three Hebrew children (Daniel 3:27). He will walk us through to the other side without even a whiff of smoke clinging to our clothes. And our souls will look back and wonder how we got over.

The one who trusts God will not be afraid, and their leaves will remain green. When others pass out, wewill prosper. In the year of drought, we will drink deep of the never-ending Living Water (John 4:13-14). This beautiful tree will never cease to bear fruit. Picture in your mind that stately tree planted beside a clear rolling river, with roots dug deep to soak up the life-giving flow. Picture also the wind tossing its green leaves and branches laden down with fruit. Then we can claim Philippians 4:19, which says “And my God will supply all of your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” God extends both spiritual and material blessings to those who follow him. God wants us to find Confident Contentment by trusting and worshipping him with love and loving others as well.

How comforting to know that even in the midst of the desert times of our lives, when the heat threatens to dry up our hope, we wil continue to bear fruit with confidence for the Kingdom. Even if we are struggling through the year, month, week, day or in the moment of drought, Do Not Be Anxious. Take it to the Lord in prayer. Because of the love God has for us, we can show our trust in him by talking everything over with him. Remember he is not disappointed or frustrated by our struggles, doubt or pain. If we trust God, we will be content with what he has given us. He shows us his favor by empowering us to fulfill his plan for our lives. We are truly “blessed” when our only hope and confidence is placed in the Lord. To God be the glory for all the good things he has done and continues to do. AMEN!

Rev. Andrea (Andie)