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
rockwell, nc Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Danielle, Evansville IN
“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Jesus Christ, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:5-6 (NIV)
Jen Smith – Clearwater, FL
“She will have no fear of bad news; her heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Her heart is secure, she will have no fear; in the end she will look in triumph on her foes.”
Psalm 112:7-8 NIV
Amy from Shorewood IL
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. (Jeremiah 17:7 NIV)
Rebecca, Springfield, OH-For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.~2 Corinthians 7:10 NKJV
Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. Ps. 90:14 NIV
Diane Jackson, Wood River, IL
Acts 2:17 (NKJV):
‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God,
That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh;
Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
Your young men shall see visions,
Your old men shall dream dreams.
Connie, Longmont, CO
Then David said to his son Solomon, “Be strong and courageous, and act; do not fear nor be dismayed, for The Lord God, my God is with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you until all the work for the service of the house of The Lord is finished.”
1 Chrinicles 28:20 NASB
Jones Creek,TX
Jesus said,”I am the way, the truth, and the life;
no one comes to the Father but by me.”
John 14:6
Matthew 22:37 NIV
Jesus replied:”Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your soul and with all your mind”.
Jeannie, Nashville, Tn.
“Guide me in Your truth and teach me for You are God my Savior and my hope in in you all day long”. Ps. 25:5 NIV.
Susan Clodfelter in Winston-Salem, NC
May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, Lord, is in you. Psalms 25:21 NIV
Ashley from Bean Station, Tn: For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. Ephesians 6:12 HCSB
When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. James 4:3 NIV
Heather from Hayden, AL: This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. 1 John 1:5 NKJV
Valerie, Omaha. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7
Jaclyn, Houston, TX
…so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God. Colossians 1:10 NIV
Sarah, San Diego
Because He bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!
Psalm 116:2
Kristie Nanes, Clearfield, UT
Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are all those who (earnestly) wait for Him, who expect and look and long for Him (for His victory, His favor, His love, His peace, His joy, His matchless, unbroken companionship).
Amen amen!!!
Isaiah 30:18d (Amplified Version)
Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize. Such a person goes into great detail about what he has seen, and his unspiritual mind puffs him up with idle notions. Colossians 2:18
Kimberly in Madison, ME:
“For God did not give us a Spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7, NET
Jennifer Robinson, Dallas, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6 NASB
Nancy from Evansville, IN
But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. Jeremiah 17:7 NIV
you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul.
Deuteronomy 4:29b (NIV)
Sarah, Appleton, WI
“I will press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.”
Philippians 3:12, NIV
Lindsay Sugar Land, Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. (Psalm 100:3 NIV)
Michelle, Kronenwetter, WI
Romans 12:12 (NIV)
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Becky, Fairfax, VA.
My blessing is on those people who trust in Me, who put their confidence in Me. Jeremiah 17:7 The NET Bible
He knows the way that I take. And when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold! Job 23:10. NIV. Sharron. Hartselle, Al
The angel of The Lord encamps around those who fear Him,
And He delivers them.
Psalm 34:7 NIV
Stephanie in Woodward, OK
Psalm 23:3 (NIV)
He refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right
paths for his name’s sake.
Marlise, Ponte Vedra Beach FL. “The Lord is near the broken hearted; He delivers those who are discouraged.
Psalms 34:18 (NET Bible)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, mind and soul…with all your strength.
just tell me…what is it like to have a true friend?
You know I hear ladies laugh, talk, pray together, and
God is the only friend I know, besides my own family.
My family back home seems to reject me and the friends
I use to have are gone.
Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. (Romans 8:33 NET)
Clancie, Elizabethtown, KY, “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3, NIV (1984)
Charlene, Waterloo, ON
Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
Ephesians 6:10
” Do I not hate those who hate you, Lord, and abhor those who are in rebellion against you? Psalm 139:21 NIV
Tammy, Lawrenceville, GA Psalm 52:8 NIV But I am like an olive tree, flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love fore ever and ever.
Melissa
Las Vegas, NV
“Oh my soul, march on in strength!” NKJV
Sherri
Galena, OH
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19 NIV
Psalm 139:19-20 (NIV84)
If only you would slay the wicked, O God!
Away from me, you bloodthirsty men!
They speak of you with evil intent;
your adversaries misuse your name.
Darcy – Salem, IL
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” -Hebrews 10:24 (NIV)
Sandie from Red Deer, AB
My blessing is on those people who trust in Me, who put their confidence in Me. Jer 17:7 The Net Bible
Julie, Gresham, OR
“Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble.” Psalm 119:165 (NKJ)
Nancy
Barboursville WV
Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance!
Jude 1:2 NIV
Liz Nashua, NH
Romans 12:10-11
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”
Debbie ~ Alice, TX ~
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Galatians 6:9 NIV
Brandy from Jay, Ok “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 NIV
Kim from Cincinnati, OH
But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.
Psalm 86:15 (NIV)
Sometimes I think there is less fellowship then their used to be God did not make us to be isolated but I think of going to church meeting and greeting and doing it all over again the next week. I n the busyness of work and home life for me this is not good for me. I remember Sunday night services and weekly prayer meeting at a church as a child for me the same cohesiveness and concern is not there as much. I have my own personal hangups which could be part of the problem. Yes I get caught in depending on others but i also think like Elijah we could also use a Elisha to help ease some of the bumps and bruises I do not thing God wants us to go it alone. This is my personal battle. God bless God has used your ministry to help me grow spiritually.