DEVOTION – DAY 377

Devotion, 7 Sept 2023

Jeremiah 17:7-8 “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 send 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.”

The prophet Jeremiah faced many challenges. The nation of Israel was falling into idolatry and he was calling the Israelites to repent and return to the Lord. He reminded the people through these verses that they would be blessed if they trusted in the Lord. And if they placed their confidence in the Lord. The Lord would never disappoint them. Jeremiah used the image of a tree planted by a stream to remind the nation of Israel that when they trust in the Lord, just like a well planted tree, they will remain fruitful even when they are in the middle of a drought.

Just like the nation of Israel, we too are reminded to trust in the Lord and place our confidence in Him in all circumstances. There are people who rather trust in their own capabilities – only to find that their capabilities are limited and that they run out of ideas as to what to do next. There are people who placed their trust in their friends and connections only to be disappointed by them because their friends and connections disappeared when their help was needed. People and things will disappoint us. The Lord will never disappoint us. We can trust in Him. We can place our confidence in Him.

Pastor Alvin and his wife Lucy were moved by the plight of two half -brothers that needed someone to take care of them. Alvin and Lucy trusted that the Lord would provide for them as they cared for these two boys. They soon came across many other underprivileged children that needed help. This prompted them to start a children’s home in 1995. They had limited funds. But they always trusted in the Lord and sought His help in everything they did. Today, the Lord has provided sufficient co-workers and funds for them to help raise hundreds of children and they operate two children homes. They have never lacked for anything because the Lord is faithful and always provided what they needed.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, you are our gracious provider. You are faithful and comes to us in times of need. Please help us to always trust in you knowing that your plans for us are for the best. We humbly pray in the mighty name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Questions

  1. How have you turned to the Lord in a time of need and how did He deliver you? Share.
  2. Why is it better to turn to the Lord and trust in Him always rather than to trust in people or things? Discuss.
  3. How can you encourage someone who is in need, to trust in the Lord?
  4. How can you strengthen your faith in the Lord so that you can trust Him in every circumstance?