I read an article this morning describing how the actor Billy Crystal no longer trusts God. The actor was known for a one-man show called “700 Sundays” in which he described his conversations with God.  When asked if he still had conversations with God, he responded that he did not because he no longer trusts God.  And then he stated, “Too many bad things have happened.” Understandably, the actor has gone through a difficult time these last few years.  His house of 46 years was destroyed in the Palisades fire.  And then his close friend Rob Reiner, along with his wife, where killed in their home.  This devotion is not to criticize Billy Crystal, but to ask these questions.  Do you trust God? Or is your trust in God only based on good and bad events in your life?

Jeremiah is attempting to warn the Israelite people and at the same time encourage them to place their trust in God. The threat from Babylon was increasing and the nation of Judah began to place their trust in a political alliance with Egypt instead of God. Jeremiah compares two paths a person can take. They can trust in their own strength and resources as they turn away from God, or they can turn toward God and trust in Him.  Jeremiah states in verse 8 that a person who trusts God is like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.  Notice what the verse does not promise.  The tree still faces the heat, and it still faces a drought.  However, the source of water provides strength and protection from the difficult seasons of life.  

Many people place their trust in the gifts that God provides.  As soon as the gifts disappear, they begin to question God. Instead, God’s people are encouraged to place their trust in the Giver and not the gifts.  As the tree’s roots sought out the water to protect during difficult days, we are called to seek the strength that comes from God.  Remember that trust in God builds over time in the same way that a tree’s roots will grow as it matures.  At all times seek to grow in your faith through the study of scripture and devotion to worship.  I pray that if you ever face a crisis in your life, you will turn toward God and rest in His presence and strength. It is then that you will understand the blessings of hope that God provides.

Read Jeremiah 17:1-18