Hey, Everybody!
Soon after this post is published, I’ll be on a plane to Sioux Falls, South Dakota for this weekend’s Living Proof Live. I love going to the Dakotas so I am filled with joy over the privilege to serve there and anticipating God’s gracious and obvious (please let it be, Lord) presence crowded around us and welling up within us. Please pray for Jesus to be exalted, experienced, and enthroned there and for many to be saved and stunningly delivered.
My Scripture memory selection this week is springing up from my Monday morning reading there in my den at home. I’ve mentioned many times that I use a different translation for my devotional and prayer time so that the words will fall particularly fresh on me and so that, if the reading happens to be a familiar segment, I can’t anticipate it and unintentionally dismiss it. The translation I often use is The NET Bible. I’m going to give you the whole segment I read Monday morning so that you’ll see the verse I’ve chosen this time around in its context. This is Jeremiah 17:5-8 (NET):
17:5 The LORD says,
“I will put a curse on people
who trust in mere human beings,
who depend on mere flesh and blood for their strength,
and whose hearts have turned away from the LORD.
17:6 They will be like a shrub in the desert.
They will not experience good things even when they happen.
It will be as though they were growing in the desert,
in a salt land where no one can live.
17:7 My blessing is on those people who trust in me,
who put their confidence in me.
17:8 They will be like a tree planted near a stream
whose roots spread out toward the water.
It has nothing to fear when the heat comes.
Its leaves are always green.
It has no need to be concerned in a year of drought.
It does not stop bearing fruit.
If you are like me, you found the way the NET translates the very first verse (V.5) a little disturbing. You’ll be relieved to know this isn’t the Scripture I’ve chosen to memorize (smiling) but it still needs addressing so that we’re not too distracted by it to engross ourselves in the remainder of the segment. If you’re familiar with the passage, you are probably more accustomed to wording like the NIV: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man.” The fact that the NET makes God the one “putting” the curse on man makes us squirm. Before we let it tie us in a knot and throw us in a lake of fear, we have to remind ourselves of our position in Christ. We have the glorious benefit of living this side of the completed work of the Cross and resurrection.
Galatians 3:13 says to our great relief: “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us – for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree.'”
Jeremiah 17:5 is still tremendously relevant to us because it unfolds the misery of counting on mere flesh and blood. I wonder if the “curse” talked about in this verse is of the same ilk as the one in Genesis 3 that came directly from God to man after the fall in the Garden. If Adam and Eve were doing anything at all when they ate from that tree, they were shifting their trust from God to themselves – mere flesh and blood – by attempting to be God-like. Though the Cross of Christ bore the curse for us, we can still endure the desolation that invariably results from placing our trust and confidence in people rather than God. This gets us where we’re going in our post today. Look back at Jeremiah 17:6 because this is the part that totally captivated me.
“They will be like a shrub in the desert. They will not experience good things even when they happen.”
Read it again if you need to but don’t proceed until you’ve tried to absorb that second sentence. Have you ever been right in the middle of something good happening and yet missed the full experience and joyful impact of it? Surely you’ve said silently to yourself as I’ve said to myself, “I should really be happy right now. What is wrong with me??” You know the feeling. You’re in a celebration or service of some kind or a holiday gathering and yet you almost feel detached from it. You’re there. But you are somehow disconnected from experiencing it. You know “it” (the positive thing presently happening) but you can’t feel it. It’s a good thing but you don’t feel good about it…or in it. What on earth is that about?
Jeremiah would suggest that the experience of good can be disconnected from the good because we are in a season of shifted trust from God to man. When we’ve set our hopes for happiness in how well all our people are doing…getting along…flourishing…affirming us…satisfying us…and all-around-generally-blessing us, and we even get a glimmer of it, we can’t experience the good because we know down deep that we can’t hold onto it. As much as we love all our people, we know that, ultimately, they are not going to come through for us. One shoe will drop. Then the other. The disappointment will come. And the harmony we feel for this moment with our fellow humans could at any second flip upside down into complete mayhem.
Notice the part that says “they will be like a shrub in the desert.” Isn’t it ironic that the more we depend on flesh and blood to come through for us and to fulfill us, the more isolated we become? You’d think that numbers alone would insure company and community. In other words, why derive our strengths and confidences from one God when we could get infinitely more out of all these people? Out of all these communities? Out of all our fellow church members? Out of all our Facebook friends? Our fellow tweeters? Company is one click away.
But it never works that way, does it? We never can let down our guard completely and find any shred of real security from flesh and blood. The person obsessed with us today can turn on us tomorrow and we know it. The person who makes life worth living for us today could die on us tomorrow and we know it. I don’t mean to be morose. I just mean to point out the emotional tightrope we’re walking. Being vastly people-oriented rather than God-oriented always ends up taking us to a place of isolation because they’re invariably busy when we want to play, invariably distracted when we want attention, and invariably more taken with themselves than with us. And so, there we sit, with our trust and confidence in mere flesh and blood and we end up feeling like a shrub in a desert. Just as Jeremiah 17:6 says, “It will be as though [we] are growing in the desert, in a salt land where no one can live.”
Trust in man can seem a great place to visit but no one can really live there and come out calling it living.
It’s so odd to me that the more drawn I feel to God and the more taken I become with His Presence, the freer I am to love other people and the less I hold them responsible for me. Community with God increases our “experience” of good in a community of people. It is its own paradox.
And all of this brings us to the verse I have chosen for my memory work this time around:
Beth, Houston. My blessing is on those people who trust in Me, who put their confidence in Me. Jeremiah 17:7 The NET Bible
And what earthly difference would that make? Well, let’s see…
“They will be like a tree planted near a stream whose roots spread out toward the water. It has nothing to fear when the heat comes. Its leaves are always green. It has no need to be concerned in a year of drought. It does not stop bearing fruit.”
Notice a very intriguing contrast hidden in Jeremiah 17:8 – “It has nothing to fear when the heat comes.”
Reflect back on 17:6b – “They will not experience good things even when [good things] happen.”
When we place our confidence in mere flesh and blood, we are shortchanged even when good things happen. When we place our confidence in God, the Immortal Invisible, we have nothing to fear even when hard things happen. The former leaves us a dry shrub. The latter makes us a fruit-bearing tree.
We never get this lesson learned once and for all, do we? Or maybe it’s just me. I still get so tempted to put my confidence in people and to think that, if all my loved ones were safe, well, and flourishing, I could be so happy. The truth of it is, I do want those things for my loved ones but God alone can come through for them and for me. Anyway, at the end of the day, I could have everything this world could offer and all the good that man could possibly do me and still sit back and think, “Why doesn’t it feel better than this?”
My blessing is on those people who trust in Me, who put their confidence in Me.
Let’s hear your verses, Sisters!
Tags: Scripture Memory 2013
Emily, Coralville. A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied. Proverbs 13:4 NIV
“The Lord your God in your midst, the Mighty One will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 (NKJV)
Debbie from Universal City, Texas.
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you have died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:2-3
Mark 2:10 & 11, But in order that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins – He said to the paralytic -I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home. NASB
Donna
Franklin, TN
I had another verse…but when I saw yours it stopped me dead in my tracks. So I’m borrowing it…because I need it.
My blessing is on those people who trust in Me, who put their confidence in Me. Jeremiah 17:7 The NET Bible
Kathleen, Georgetown, TX
Finally,brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Philippians 4:8
Tyra, Houston
My blessing is on those people who put their trust in Me,
who put their confidence in Me.
Jeremiah 17:7 The NET Bible
Kristi, White Pigeon, MI –
Hebrews 11:1 NIV
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
Mary-Clare in Frisco, Texas
Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.
Proverbs 4:23 NLT
Pushkala, Louisville, KY- Seek the Kingdom of God, above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need. Matt 6:33 NLT
Natalie Dawes, Calgary, AB, Canada
I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Ps. 27:13 (NIV84)
Hannah from Mt. Holly, NC
“So we must not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9 NET)
Beth, Story City, IA
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
2 Timothy 1:7, NKJ
Kelly Gorbold, Longmont, Co “Praise the Lord oh my soul and all my inmost being, praise his holy name.” Psalm 103:1 NIV
Erin, Cheyenne WY:
1 Peter 3:8 NIV:
Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.
Kristi, Austin “My blessing is on those people who trust in Me, who put their confidence in Me.” Jeremiah 17:7 NET
Mandy from Mt. Vernon
“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.” Psalm 1:1 (NIV)
Yvonne, King, NC. Who among the gods is like you, LORD?
Who is like you – majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders? Exodus 15:11
Cheryl Midlothian va
Trust in The Lord and do good
Dwell in the land enjoy safe pasture
Psalm 37:3
Alicia, Mesa,AZ
The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs-heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, of indeed we share in his sufferings in that we may also share in his glory.Romans 8:17-18 NIV
It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.
1 Corinthians 13:6
Johannah, Alexandria, LA
“You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.” Psalm 139:5 NIV
Natalie, Grand Prairie, TX Do everything in love. 1 Corinthians 16:14, NIV
Ephesians 6:15 (NRSV) As shoes for your feet, put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. Prov 3:5
Susan, Durango The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. Lamentations 3:26,27
Elizabeth, Gilbert,AZ
Have mercy on me, oh God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. Psalm 57:1 NIV
Mandeville, LA
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12, ESV
Susan
Jersey Village, TX
“Ask and it will be given to you;
Seek and you will find;
Knock and the door will be opened unto you.
For everyone who asks receives;
the one who seeks finds;
and to the one who knocks the door will be opened.”
Matthew 7:7-8
NIV
“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.”
2 Corinthians 7:10 NIV
Nicole///Dallas///1 Corinthians 9:22 NLT
When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some.
Ally from Searcy, AR
My blessing is on those people who trust in Me, who put their confidence in Me. Jeremiah 17:7 NET
Debbie, Corpus Christi:
“We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28 NAB
Connie from Eugene, OR says”Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of His creatures.” NKJV James 1″18
Midge Florence/Atlanta My blessing is on those people who trust in Me, who put their confidence in Me. Jeremiah 17:7 The NET Bible
Whitney, Ames, OK
“For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.”
2 Timothy 1:7 HCSB
Pam, Brighton,CO
Colossians 3: 16 ESV
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
Chelsia, Waverly MN
“I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.”. Psalm 40:8 NIV
Amy
Birmingham, AL
“Because Your loving kindness is better than life, My lips shall praise you.”
Psalm 63:3 (NKJV)
Jaton, Longview , Texas
Romans 14:17 NIV
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Kelly, West Richland,
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds James 1:2 ESV
Katie, Clovis, CA
This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. Hebrews 6:19 (NLT)
Ashley Pointer from Spring, Texas
Pray that the LORD your God will tell us where we should go and what we should do.
Jeremiah 42:3 NIV
Cindy Mount Gilead
Isaiah 49:15b-16 NIV
I will not forget you!
See, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands; your walls are ever before Me.
Brenda Hayden, Auburn, WA
Ephesians 5:15-16 ESV
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.
Traci in Pipestone, MN
Ephesians 4:26-27 (NIV)
In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.
Diera – Austin, Tx
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33 NIV
Imogene, Austin, TX
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3 NIV
Lind I. White of Oklahoma City, OK
For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obendience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase and the Lord your God will bless you in the land.
Deuteronomy 30:16, NIV
Jonda, Shakopee, MN
My blessing is on those people who trust in me, who put their confidence in me.
Jeremiah 17:7 NET