Trust in God – Jeremiah 17:7
Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and whose trust is the Lord.
The fury of life’s storms will shake the most stalwart in spirit, leaving them troubled and frightened. Few will escape its sting. Some dire situation will suddenly arise like an unpredicted sea squall to wreak havoc in our lives as tranquility instantly vanishes, and only brokenness, loss, and uncertainty remain. Many will break emotionally and others will give up spiritually during severe tribulation, but as those under the protection of the King, we need not forfeit our peace to fear, anguish, or dismay. Rather than panicking, if we will look at the events swirling around us with eternity in the forefront of our thoughts, evaluating them in the light of everlasting life with Christ, faith will sustain us. In knowing the Lord is our seawall, our strong and mighty bulwark against the winds and rising sea,[1] we will find strength to endure. If we will make the Lord our trust and shield though our sight tells us all is lost, we will have an assurance of God’s grace that raises us above the storm.
Consider your preparedness for the trials of life. Do you truly believe that, having made Jesus your Lord and Savior, you will one day live in a heavenly city where the radiance of the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb shines so brightly that the city has no need of the sun or moon?[2] Do you trust that Jesus will dry every tear and heal every sorrow? Is God’s love real to you, and have you accepted your inheritance as a chosen member of His family?[3]
Place your hope in the truth of God’s Word and in its faithful Author, and choose to live in absolute trust in the Lord’s promise to work all things together for good to those who love Him, to those He has called according to His purpose.[4] Direct your troubled heart to be still and to rest in the peace that accompanies a profound belief in God’s goodness and devotion to His beloved.[5] Walk in joy with an unimpeachable assurance that nothing can separate you from the Father’s love.[6]
Live as if you were a tree planted by the sea with roots so deep you need fear no gale winds or rising waters.[7] Trust in the Lord, call upon Him, and He will be with you, rescuing you when you are in need, honoring you at the appropriate time, and proving Himself eternally trustworthy.[8]
God with us, Immanuel
Help us to understand
How glorious the promise
Of Our Father’s plan
That by the gift You offered,
And the love You brought
Our questing souls at last can rest
And know the peace we’ve sought
Though storms may rage around us
Our roots are deep and firm
And the promises You’ve given
Ours heart at last discern
Your Holy Word protects us
Bringing us into the fold
Where safely within Your city
Your glory we behold
For You shine so brightly
We need not moon, nor sun
And our joyful celebration
Has only just begun
[1] Psalm 91:4
[2] Revelation 21:19-23
[3] 1 Thessalonians 1:4
[4] Romans 8:28
[5] John 14:1
[6] Romans 8:38-39
[7] Jeremiah 17:8
[8] Psalm 91:15-16
