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“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. 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.” Jeremiah 17:7-8

How would you describe 2020? “Unprecedented” is a word I have heard a lot. But reading Jeremiah, I came across the phrase “a year of drought” and thought, that pretty much sums up 2020 for me. Haven’t we all collectively watched our plans, celebrations and for some of us, our jobs, dry up before our eyes?  And as the dry season lingers, many of us are feeling parched, thirsty for what we had before. For some of us, fear and anxiety may have started to take root.

But Jeremiah talks about having no worries in a year of drought. Never failing to bear fruit. And, the secret is trusting in the Lord and planting ourselves by the streams of His living water. What does this mean for us in the year 2020?  For me, it means:

Putting my confidence in God alone. Not the stock market, news reports, politicians, physicians, vaccines or the latest COVID statistics. Jeremiah 17: 5 says, “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord.” My confidence in God’s complete sovereignty leads me to obey my God-ordained governing authorities (Romans 13:1-2) while trusting that ultimately God is in control. Proverbs 21:1 tells me, “The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes.” So, we demonstrate our trust in God by obeying those placed in authority.  Revelations 4:11 proclaims “Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.”  As the creator of all things He remains in control over everything, including viruses.

Planting Myself by Steams of Living Water.  Staying close to God, through prayer and filling up on His Word. This helps me “quench my thirst” for security and peace, the antidotes to fear and anxiety. God tells us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7) and “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Reading and trusting His Word keeps my roots well-watered.

So, how well are we trusting the Lord in this year of drought?  The answer is found in the fruit we produce…love, joy, peace, patience. May our harvest be abundant so that we can share Him with others.

“Lord, helps us firmly plant our minds and heart near streams of living water. Staying close to you and trusting you in every situation drawing others to You.”

For His Glory

Ann Skalaski
TRBC Women’s Life