Christmas 2012 is behind us, which means there are only a few short days until the calendar turns the page to a new year. If you are like me, you have already begun to plan ahead and maybe have already listed two or three resolutions to pursue in the upcoming year. It’s always beneficial to set goals as they set us in motion, give us direction and produce intensity to accomplish great things.
My personal goals have to begin with my most important relationship. So today as I begin this New Year’s Resolution Series, I would like us to (re)consider the value of placing our trust in the right thing.
Jeremiah was a prophet in the Bible who spoke to the nation of Israel about their relationship with God. In Jeremiah 17:7-8, he gives them the formula for being fruitful in their life. He says in these verses, “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is in the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit.”
At this time in their history, Israel was placing its trust in many other things. Their lack of trust in God was hindering them from becoming a truly prosperous nation. So Jeremiah outlines for them the prescription that will get them back on track. He says, “If you choose to put your trust in the Lord, then you are going to be like this tree…you know, the big one down by the river. Let me tell you about this tree…”
It’s growing. There is a never-ending source of nourishment for this tree because it is growing so close to the energy source. Because it has access to the water, it is able to spread out its roots and push into areas of the dirt it has never reached before. The tree expands, becomes stronger and is securely fastened as its roots bury deeper into the ground.
It’s courageous. It knows at some point in its life it will face the heat. When those times come, it is not afraid.
It’s relaxed. The year of drought does not really concern this tree. It has saved up enough to see itself through. It has prepared in advance to weather such a circumstance.
It’s producing. Day in and day out, no matter the environmental circumstances, it produces fruit. This tree is productive and in this way is beneficial for everyone that eats from it.
I believe every person wants to be successful and accomplish something with his or her life. We stand the greatest chance of reaching our potential when we trust in God as our energy for today and our hope for the future. He is the living water we so desperately need.
Make it a goal to trust Him more this year. He will provide.
What helps you get through life day by day? What practical goal could you set that demonstrates your trust in God?
Next Post: Give Like Never Before
Prior Post: What I Learned About Blogging From My First 50 Posts
To not worry. Worry shows that there is no trust. When I find myself worrying about something, I stop and remind myself that there is no need to worry because everything is going to work out like it is supposed to.
Great point. I find worry sometimes becomes a force that leads us to make unwise decisions as we plan for the future. It’s wise to prepare but, as you said, we can’t spend our days fretting over things we cannot control.
U taught us about that in Bible class once. I remember 🙂
Good memory. Makes me feel good that my lessons are sticking 🙂