Jeremiah 17

Our tendency is to depend on everything but God… That is a heart issue. Rooted in idolatry and pride. How often do we find ourselves trying to hide in “things” and “stuff” around us? Rather than running to the Creator of the Universe – our God.

This is such a clear picture from the prophet Jeremiah concerning the two ways to deal with our weaknesses. One trusts in man/flesh (verses 5 and 6) and the other trusts in the Lord (verses 7 and 8). The contrast in these two scenarios is so drastic – one is dry and parched, while the other filled and satisfied.

Jeremiah 17: 5-6

Thus says the Lord:
“Cursed is the man who trusts in man
and makes flesh his strength,
whose heart turns away from the Lord.
He is like a shrub in the desert,
and shall not see any good come.
He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness,
in an uninhabited salt land.”

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.”

May God – through his Spirit – reveal to us our wicked hearts. And from that may we repent and turn to Him, not what he has created. If you are a believer in Christ this should bring you much encouragement, knowing that He gives us all we need to accomplish this.