EMBRACING THE CALL
Y O U A N D T I T U S 2 N E W S L E T T E R
July 2022
The Life Of Trust
Vol. 18
​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
What is it like to completely trust in the Lord so much that there is no other source of trust? That is what Jeremiah is describing in Jeremiah 17:7a. He states that it is a blessed life. However, it becomes clear in his illustration that “blessed” may not always be a life void of harsh circumstances. Rather, to be blessed is to be sustained by our position of trust for a life of purpose no matter the circumstances.
Jeremiah describes a person who completely trusts in God as a lush green tree nourished through roots extending into a stream. When (it doesn’t say “if”) the heat and drought come, there is no fear or anxiety because the tree is well supplied. It not only has lush green leaves signifying the position of the roots, but continued fruit production signifies a purpose.
The tree gives no physical signs of distress because the roots are exactly where they need to be extending into the stream. It is the source of help for the tree, and it is sufficient. The position of the tree allows it to be supplied and fulfill its purpose of bearing fruit. This is true for the person who trusts in the Lord; their position of trust allows them to bear the fruit of the Spirit in their lives (Galatians 5:22-23).
Notice that the tree has no control over the harsh circumstances surrounding it. A tree thriving in the middle of drought would be a curiosity drawing attention to its leaves and fruit. Jeremiah does not give the tree any credit for its own lush green leaves or the fact that it can bear fruit in the harsh environment (Jeremiah 17:7-8). The credit belongs to the source of nourishment, the stream. A woman who trusts in the Lord knows she is sustained by His strength; He gets the glory.
In Mark 14:34, Jesus describes his feelings concerning his imminent death, “And he said to them, "My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.” You might think this would be evidence of a lack of trust when compared to the lush green tree. Nothing could be further from the truth! Even at this moment, Jesus was strengthened to obey. All of the sins of the world would become His responsibility during the harshest event of history. Trusting God does not keep us from experiencing sorrow, but it encourages us to obey in spite of it. The absence of sorrow is not what reveals the presence of trust in God. In many situations, it is the presence of sorrow and yet steadfast obedience that reveals the presence of authentic trust in God.
How we react to the circumstances of our environment reveals the location of our roots. Is there disobedience when we are faced with problems or trust in God's promises? Does fear grip our thinking, or is there a consistent capability to bear fruit? We live in a fallen world and hard times come. In fact, Jeremiah’s entire illustration is based on the reality that hard times come. But this does not hinder the position or the purpose of a person who is trusting God completely. According to this passage, even though she is experiencing the same harshness as others, she will remain blessed in her position of purpose.
Only you can run the race that is set before you! So, to answer the question “What makes you unique?” consider one more verse: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). As a Christian woman, you are His workmanship created in Jesus to accomplish His plan! There is a code for your life revealed in His Word. Your biological DNA is truly a miraculous thing, but Christ gives it purpose. Let’s live like it!
Learning About Trusting God
The following Scripture passages and discussion questions can provide a conversation starter about trusting God through the uncontrollable circumstances of life.
Proverbs 3:5-6
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
John 13:6-7
6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, do you wash my feet?" 7 Jesus answered him, "What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand."
Psalm 9:9-10
9 The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. 10 And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.
Mark 14:34-36
34 And he said to them, "My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch." 35 And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 36 And he said, "Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will."
Proverbs 3:25-26
25 Do not be afraid of sudden terror or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes, 26 for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.
Isaiah 41:13
13 For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, "Fear not, I am the one who helps you."
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
+ The Bible is full of passages that declare the faithfulness of God to His children. Describe the benefits of His promises to you in Psalm 9:9-10 and Proverbs 3:5-6.
+ In this conversation between Peter and Jesus (John 13:6-7), there is a great truth revealed concerning our trust in the Lord? How would you explain the truth that Jesus is telling Peter, and how does it impact your personal ability to trust Him?
+ According to Mark 14:34, Jesus was willing to be transparent about His feelings. Discuss how you have experienced or seen another person display obedience to the will of God in spite of sorrow. What do you think Jesus is modeling for us in Mark 14:34?
+ How would you describe the kind of trust verbalized by Jesus in Mark 14:36? Why does a lack of this authentic trust hinder a Christian’s relationship with God?
+ God has given us the opportunity to grow our roots deep into the wisdom and knowledge of His Word. There is no other source of secure Trust which allows us to thrive and not just survive. Describe how the tree is thriving. Describe the thriving life of a woman who trusts in God (Galatians 5:22-23)?
+ Ultimately, for the children of God, He is our true confidence in the face of circumstances beyond our control (Proverbs 3:25-26). What is the precious assurance God provides for you in this life stated in Isaiah 41:13?
