Keeping in mind that the majority of sermons that I have heard preached over Psalm 1 are focused on the part about not being around the wicked, and that little is said about that tree whose roots run deep. I would like to restate that verse in the words of Jeremiah the prophet.
Jeremiah 17:7-8
7 "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
whose trust is the LORD.
8 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."
I think about these trees spoken of by men whose lives, at times, were dry and beaten down by the sun. Nevertheless, these men of God have declared that the righteous will lay his trust in the LORD and that his source of strength will never run out. That he will not fear the hard time, and that the foundation of their existence will never be outlasted by the destruction of this world.
Before you are able to move on to bigger, brighter, or even just other things, you must find your strength in the Lord. Unless you place your trust in Him, the drought that is sure to come will overtake you. The sun will beat you down, and the wind will dry your eyes until there is no vision for ministry left in you.
Thanks for the encouraging words Jeremy. I know your are right, and my soul finds deep comfort and strength in God when I trust Him. The problem is my flesh constantly fights back with doubts and fears. It is a battle, and reading scriptures, hearing an encouraging sermon, or reading a blog like this really makes a lot of difference, and fans the flames within.
ReplyDeleteThank you brother. My prayer today is that the Lord will give receptive ears to your hearers, and that they too may be encouraged by words of affirmation and truth.
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