◄ What Does Jeremiah 17:8 Mean? ►

"For he will be like a tree planted by the water, That extends its roots by a stream And will not fear when the heat comes; But its leaves will be green, And it will not be anxious in a year of drought Nor cease to yield fruit.

Jeremiah 17:8(NASB)

Verse of the Day

Jeremiah was known as the weeping prophet for he not only warned Israel that disobedience towards the Lord would result in their dispersion amongst the nations, but he was also one who warned of Judah's final downfall and witnessed its devastating destruction. He wept bitterly as he watched the Presence of God withdraw from the Temple of the Lord.

Like her sister Israel, Judah had also fallen into deep idolatry, which resulted in an extended period of Israel's dispersion among the nations. What a sombre message that trust in man and the worship of idols has its devastating rewards.

Nevertheless, there is a message of hope and a promise of restoration in Jeremiah's challenging message to Judah. In the midst of this weeping prophet's sharp accusations and strong condemnation of the idolatry of Israel, who had turned from their faithful God to idols, we discover a refreshing oasis: "Blessed is the man that puts his trust in the Lord, for he will be like a well-watered tree, who is refreshed and rejuvenated in the streams of living water." This refreshment only flows from our faithful God.

The heart is twisted and perverse above all things, and when we view ourselves from our own distorted perspective, we are too often led into error. Only the one that rests in the Lord and trusts their lives into His hands, gaining their hope and strength from Him and placing their trust in God alone, is able to be like a well-watered tree that receives hope and strength from their Father in heaven.

Amidst an avalanche of condemnation against ungodliness and idolatry, both Israel and the Church have received God's gracious reassurance: "Blessed is the man whose delight in the Lord, and who meditates on His law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of living water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither, and whatever they do prospers."

And there is a message of hope for all who trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour: that even when we are faithless He remains faithful, and that when we are weak and fail Him, He remains strong and His love and grace towards us is never changing. Great is His faithfulness.

Blessed is the one whose confident hope is in the Lord, for he will be like a tree planted by the rivers of living water that extends its roots into His life-giving streams. That man or woman will not fear when problems and life's difficulties arise, but will hope in the Lord for strength and deliverance. They will not be anxious in a year of drought nor will they cease to yield fruit, more fruit, much fruit, to the glory of God and to their own eternal benefit.

My Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You that in the midst of all life’s difficulties and problems, You are my Rock and my Redeemer, my Source and my Supply. Thank You that in Christ, I have all I need to stand firm in this evil day. Christ is my health, my strength, and the stronghold of my life. I pray that no matter what difficulties arise, that I would draw all my hope and strength from Him. I pray that I would live a life that honours You and that I would bear much fruit to Your praise and glory. This I ask in Jesus' name, AMEN.