The Root Of Trust!

Where trust is PLANTED makes a big difference. How stable is the life that has anchored trust in the sand? Is where our trust has been PLANTED able to provide the depth needed for stability and fruitfulness regardless of the changing elements around us?

Reading through Jeremiah yesterday, I began thinking of the contrast between Eastern and Western Washington -- the two halves of our State divided by the Cascade Mountain Range -- and how in some respects they almost seem like two different States. I think about the dryer regions of the eastern side and the sage brush that grows and then blows tumbling across fields and highways. In contrast to this are the plentiful evergreen trees of the western side and the moisture that seems to keep our region lush and green.

Note the contrast presented by God to Jeremiah that is still true today.
"(5) Thus says the LORD: 'Cursed is the man WHO TRUSTS IN MAN and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the LORD. (6) 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. (7) Blessed is the man WHO TRUSTS IN THE LORD, WHOSE TRUST IS THE LORD. (8) 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.'" ( Jeremiah 17:5-8 ESV)

A "shrub" or a "tree"? At the root of trust is wisely knowing where trust is to be placed! Though we should strive to live to be known as trustworthy individuals and we would hope that others would be as well, anchoring our trust in mankind is not sufficient for keeping us from becoming uprooted and blown about. With our reliance, trust, and confidence kept in God, the root of our life will be firmly established and in spite of the "heat" of opposition or the "drought" of knowledge of God's Will in this world, we can still live fruitful and God glorifying lives.

Have a great day NOURISHED AS A FLOURISHING PLANT OF GOD!
Carl

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