Church Directory February 16, 2017

The United States has just come through what is referred to as a peaceful transition of power. But the national mood does not seem peaceful. Anyone who follows the news has heard the voices on both sides of the political divide expressing strong anger and genuine fear. We’ve heard similar emotions expressed in our own face to face conversations. Our nation is troubled. Your heart may be troubled.

Jeremiah lived in even more tumultuous times. His city and nation were threatened with imminent invasion by the Babylonians. They faced war, famine and disease. In the midst of such troubles, God spoke through Jeremiah to tell them that those who put their hopes in a human solution to their crisis were like shrubs in the desert, destined to whither.

But then he offers these words of encouragement. “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:7-8 ESV)

God told the citizens of Jerusalem, who faced invasion and destruction, that by trusting in Him they would flourish like fruitful trees planted by flowing streams. Even when the land faces scorching drought, the flowing waters refresh them. Their leaves remain green. They still bear fruit. Those who trust in the Lord have hope and calm, even in the face of impending crisis.

Jeremiah’s words are for all who trust God. The blessing of His peace is still offered freely. We need not be anxious about tomorrow’s news. We ought not to fear for our nation’s future. We choose instead to pray for God to bless our nation. Then we trust Him to refresh us daily.

“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD who made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1-2)