Remaining in God

By Benjamin H. Liles

          But the person who trusts in the Lord will be blessed. The Lord will show him that he can be trusted. "He will be like a tree planted near water that sends its roots by a stream" [Ps. 1:3]. It is not afraid when the days are hot; its leaves are always green. It does not worry in a year when no rain comes; it always produces fruit. ~ Jeremiah 17:7-8, Expanded Bible

          Two things come to mind about this subject of worry. The first is when Jesus says, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." Jeremiah, in looking to the day when the Messiah - Jesus Christ - would appear says, "[He who] trusts in the Lord will be blessed." This fits where some who came to Jesus said, "If you will only but come." These men and women who are so desperate for a touch from God believe if He would just but come with them that things will be all right.

          The second, which relates closely to worry, talks about those who so trust in the Lord and what He is doing that "He will be like a tree planted near water that sends its roots by a stream." Who wouldn't enjoy their lives a bit easier knowing that whatever stress or worry they are facing is overcome because they trust in God that much? Jeremiah ends the passage saying that in the midst of those troubles or worries, "[This tree's fruit and leaves] are always green. It does not [wilt] in a year with lack of rain; it always produces fruit."

          How deep does that relationship go with God in times of trouble? If the roots go down deep enough, even in times of famine or trouble, wouldn't the water supply that's there sustain this plant? That's what is ultimately being said. There is a lot of talk about people who stick so close to God they know He hasn't forsaken them. I know this appears to coincide with the last day where I said the words, "[These people] end up transformed by the Word of God." They go deep enough into God, into His word. His word to us should be like water to a fish. You can only breathe when you're fully in it.

          Father, I thank You for all the times I have to go through. I know that while not every trial I face is brought by You to test me, it's a means to see whether I remain faithful and true to You. I realize also not every test of my faith is shaped solely by You, but how I respond and what it says about my trust in You. Every day is a gift, Lord. Thank You for these days. I long for better days; days in which I will be with You forever in Paradise. Until then I will keep doing what I have been since starting this exciting journey. In Jesus' name. Amen.