Jeremiah 17:7-8
7 Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
And whose hope is the LORD.
8 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.
How beautifully the prophet Jeremiah describes the blessed state of a person who trusts in the Lord.
A tree that is planted by the river will never lack water. Such a person is continually drawing strength and nourishment from the Lord, who is a never-ending source of what we need for life and living. And because the roots spread out and go deep, such a person is strong and stable. Even in times of difficulties or prolonged seasons of testing, this person knows how important it is to continually turn to the Lord, his source of wisdom and strength. And just as fruit trees bear fruit in their season, a person who puts his trust in the Lord knows that God is faithful, and he waits in faith and patience for fruit to come.
But trust doesn’t just grow in a vacuum.
Recently I asked a group of people from BMC to think about someone whom they trust and to consider what makes them trust this person. Basically, it boiled down to relationship. There is a proven track record where the person has shown himself or herself to be trustworthy and dependable. This is the same way we grow to trust in the Lord. When we believe in Jesus, we are brought into relationship with God and the Holy Spirit helps us know we are children of God. God doesn’t want us to just know ABOUT Him, He wants us to truly know Him.
How do we know God?
God reveals Himself through the Bible. As we read the Word of God, the Holy Spirit helps us come to know our Triune God, and to understand His purposes and His ways. In Exodus 34:6-7, God proclaims His very nature to Moses, “ And He passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished.”” God’s holiness and righteousness demands punishment of sin. Yet in His great love and mercy, God sent His only Son, our Lord Jesus, to take on the punishment on our behalf so that through Christ, we may be reconciled to God. Such truths teach us to walk in both reverential fear of the Lord and thankfulness to God for the depth of His great love for us! If He did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? (Romans 8:32)
Truly, we can trust the Lord! Each day as you read the Word of God, ask the Holy Spirit to grant you revelation of the knowledge of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit; to open your eyes to see His character, His power and His ways.
God also reveals Himself to us as we go through circumstances of life.
• Those who cried out to God for a job and a door opens have come to know that He is the Lord who provides.
• Those who escaped accidents or harm have come to know that He is the Lord who protects.
• Those who have experienced physical, emotional or mental healing have come to know that He is the Lord who heals.
• Those who have experienced peace in the midst of turbulent times have come to know that He is our Prince of peace.
• Those who have cried out to God in the face of insurmountable obstacles and experienced a breakthrough have come to know that He is our Mighty God and Deliverer.
Take time to reflect on significant events in your life and ask God what facet of His character He is revealing to you.
God wants you to know Him more. Because as you know Him more, you will love Him more. And as you love Him more, you will trust Him more.
God’s love and peace be with you
Sabrina Ng