But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD,
Jeremiah 17:7-8 NIV
whose confidence is in him.
They will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit.
Verses five through eight of this chapter contrast two kinds of people. The first are those who put their trust in man and turn away from the Lord. They are described as being like a bush planted in wastelands. These will miss out on the Lord’s prosperity when it comes.
The second are those who trust in God. And they are compared to a tree planted by a river. Its roots run deep, and heat and drought do not harm it. Its leaves will be green, producing fruit regardless of the conditions it faces. This description of the one who trusts in the Lord is mirrored in Psalm 1:1-3.
The one who trusts in the Lord will experience heat and drought. We face troubles, some just because of the world we live in, and others because people take exception to those who live by faith in the Lord Jesus. We are never promised that life will be easy for us just because we are believers.
But regardless of any challenges we might face, when we trust in the Lord, he will nourish and provide for us. We do not need to fear what might happen to us. We can be growing and productive despite our outward circumstances. Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.
