Verse of the Day - Jeremiah 17:7-8

But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. He 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.
~ Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NIV)

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This is how I want to live, like this tree. How about you?

God gives us a recipe for green, alive living, unafraid of difficulties and trials, able to stay green and productive. The answer? Trust in Him. Put our confidence in Him.

Those are easy words to say, but if you don't actually put them into practice, they're just words, and your green tree will get brown and not produce fruit. Trusting in God takes work, a lot of work. Our tendency is to look at the coming drought or impending heat wave -- down-spiraling economy, bad news from the doctor, difficulties in relationships -- and freak out, basically. Terrified of the unknown, terrified of experiencing pain. But God's word says that those who plant themselves close to Him and receive their life-sustaining water from Him don't go to the brown and fruitless stage, EVEN when the heat and the drought come.

Do you know someone like that? I'm sure you do. But remember, if you're still working through the process of learning how to trust God and not yourself, take encouragement in the fact that the green trees you know went through the process, too. We all have to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). It doesn't just happen. It's a process, and it's a choice.

I hope you can make the positive choice to plant yourself next to God. Draw from His Living Water day in and day out, and be green and fruitful. Choose to put your confidence in His care for you, completely. Purpose yourself to trust Him with everything you have, all the way. I guarantee you'll see a change in how your tree looks and grows.




Love,

Joelene