“Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.”
Jeremiah 17:7 (KJV)
Two kinds of people are contrasted in the above Scripture – the wicked and the righteous. The wicked, specifically Judah, at that time, trusted false gods and military alliances instead of God and thus, were barren and unfruitful. The righteous, on the other hand, place their confidence in God, so they flourish like trees planted by the waters – Psalm 1:3.
When we apply God’s wisdom to our lives the fruit we bear will be good and will receive God’s approval. As a tree soaks up water and bears luscious fruit, we also are to soak up God’s Word, producing actions and attitudes that honour Him. To achieve anything worthwhile we must have God’s Word in our hearts. In times of trouble, the wicked are already impoverished and spiritually weak so they have no strength to draw on. But the righteous have abundant strength not only for their own needs but even for the needs of others.
Are you satisfied with being unfruitful, or do you, like a well-watered tree, require strength for times of crises and even some to share? Our hope should inspire us to seek to live holy lives. Come out from among them and be ye separated, and wait for purpose to be fulfilled in our lives –2 Corinthians 6:17.
God’s Hope Gives Us Hope In Living.
Pray
Heavenly Father, thank You because there is hope in You. When evil darkens our world, You give us light. When we stumble and fall, You lift us up. When nothing seems sure, You give us trust. When all else fails, You never fail. Your promise still stands, great is Your faithfulness. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.
Read: 2 Corinthians 6:17; 1 Peter 1:3; 1 John 3:2
Bible Reading Guide: Psalms 110; Ephesians 2; Isaiah 55; Isaiah 56; Isaiah 57:1-13
