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From the day we were born, we learn to trust and depend on others and things of this world. The very first steps we take, the first words we speak, the first food that we eat, all depends upon someone teaching us how to perform these tasks. We even find ourselves putting our trust in our possessions, wisdom and power, kindness and faithfulness of men, but we all know that these things are temporary. We must put our full confidence on the strong Arm of God. In Jeremiah 17:5-10, God speaks of the sin of putting our trust in the Flesh, and not in him. I can only imagine how hurt we would be if we had created this world, and not receive any love or gratitude from those within this world. In this passage, God equates our mistrust to that of a barren shrub residing in the desert. This desert land is a dry land, which indicates no water, no green grass, no fruit or vegetation, sure signs of death. It's amazing to think of how God has blessed us with everything we need, and we seem to get farther away from him, until we come to the realization that with God, our lives become fruitful. When we trust in God, we are like a tree planted by the rivers of water (Psalms 1). This tree, a choice tree, about which great care has been taken to set it in the best soil, far from being like the barren bush in the wilderness. A tree thus planted, thus watered, shall not see when heat comes, shall not sustain any damage from the most scorching heats of summer; it is so well moistened from its roots that it shall be sufficiently guarded against drought. This is an indication of those that make God their hope. Once we put our trust in God, our lives should bear fruit, such as being kindhearted and gladly giving to others as God has given to us. If, instead of doing good with our worldly enjoyments, we make them the food and fuel of our lusts, of our luxury and sensuality, and deny relief to the poor, we shall certainly perish eternally, and the things of this world, which were thus abused, will but add to our misery and torment. This he shows in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus ( Luke 16:19-31). |