But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. Jeremiah 17:7-8 NIV
God is the source of all of creation. He is the supreme intelligence of the universe. When we put our trust in him and do not lean on our own understanding, we tap directly into the divine source of wisdom and knowledge. Like a tree planted by the water, whose roots grow by the stream, those who put their trust in God enjoy increased resiliency because of their direct connection to the Lord’s life-giving power.
Jesus Christ says in John 7:38, “He who believes in me, as the Scripture has said, from within him will flow rivers of living water. WEB” Christ, being God in the flesh, is our source of life sustaining wisdom and understanding. When we follow his commands to love one another and live in obedience to the Father, no matter what happens here on earth, through faith, we will live eternally in heaven.
The Fruit of the Holy Spirit
There is benefit to the life of love and service commanded by Jesus in the present. Having received Christ as Savior, the Lord lives within us in the person of the Holy Spirit. Displaying the fruit of the Holy Spirit protects us from offending both God and man. As Paul says in Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. WEB”
Planted by the water that is the word and will of God, rooted in faith and filled with the Holy Ghost, life-giving love flows through the vine of Christ into the branches of believers producing an abundance of good fruit through the Holy Spirit of God.
Trust and confidence are affiliated with faith. Each signifies a certainty in the reliability and truth of that in which we believe. When we put our trust in God, and follow the commands of our Savior and Father, we are best positioned to aid one another and endure the difficulties of living in a fallen world.
Placing our trust in God rather than even ourselves, guards against the corruption that is inherent in each of us. Trusting in God, we are like trees planted by the water. Life-giving streams that flow from the throne of God, through the body of Christ, sustain, rejuvenate, and purify our souls.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the message of hope in your holy word. Thank you for the direction you provide to live a life that is consistent with your word and wisdom. Increase my wisdom and help me to be more like Christ. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Glory to God
