LIVING BRIDGES
READ:
Jeremiah
17:5-10
Blessed
is the man who trusts
in
the LORD. –Jeremiah 17:7
People who live in Cherrapunji, India,
have developed a unique way to get across the many rivers and streams in their
land. They grow bridges from the roots
of rubber trees. These “living bridges” take between 10 to 15
years to mature, but once they are established, they are extremely stable and
last for hundreds of years.
The Bible compares a person who trusts
in God to “a tree planted by the waters,
which spreads out its roots by the river” (Jeremiah
17:8). Because its roots are
well-nourished, this tree survives soaring temperatures. And during drought it continues to yield
fruit.
Like a firmly rooted tree, people who
rely on God have a sense of stability and vitality despite the worst
circumstances. In contrast, people who
place their trust in other humans often live with a sense of instability. The Bible compares them to desert shrubs that
are frequently malnourished and stand alone (v.6). So it is with the spiritual lives of
people who forsake God.
Where are our roots? Are we rooted in Jesus? (Colossians 2:7). Are we a bridge that leads others to
Him? If we know Christ, we can testify
to this truth: Blessed are those who
trust in the Lord (Jeremiah 17:7). –Jennifer Benson Schuldt
Jesus
is all the world to me,
My
life, my joy, my all;
He
is my strength from day to day,
Without
Him I would fall. – Thompson
*******************************
Even
strong trials cannot blow down
a
person who is rooted in God.
INSIGHT
The
heart is the very basis of character, including the mind and will. Because of our sinful nature, the “heart is
deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked” Jeremiah 17:9). Jeremiah debunked the popular belief that
people are basically good (cf. Job 25:4, Psalm 51:5). That God examines and test the heart is the
consistent teaching of Scripture (1 Samuel 16:7; 1 Chronicles 28:9; 2
Chronicles 6:30; Psalm 139:1-2; Jeremiah 11:20; Romans 8:27; Hebrews
4:12-13). Although we might try to hide
our innermost thoughts and motives from others, God sees. He alone knows the true character of every
person. God searches and knows us, but
loves us despite our inherent sinfulness.
Have a blessed evening and weekend.
God Our Creator’s Love Always
Unity & Peace
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