" blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of droughtand never fails to bear fruit." The heart is deceitful above all thingsand beyond cure. Who can understand it? "I the LORD search the heartand examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct,
according to what his deeds deserve." JEREMIAH 17:7-8.
After using this scripture last week I just had to use it again, I love the visual of the tree planted close to the water [Jesus] and never withering no matter what happens around it. Scorching sun, no rainfall, and still it has no worries. This is nothing like me, I get a little heat and start hollering, color=#710cfa>
"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
Trouble happens to both believer and non-believer alike. causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. Matthew 5:45 Depending on how you see rain, whether your crops are in need of moisture or floodwaters threaten; either getting or not getting rain is a good thing.
Usually, though, those who are actively serving God, are attacked by satan as well as either getting well-needed rain or not, AND with the regular pruning we get as Christians so often many of us have lots of down-time.
All of this points to one escapable conclusion, We need Jesus, we need to be so close so in tune with Him, that no matter what happens; satan attacks, drought, flood Or pruning, we have our two buds: Goodness and Mercy Psalms 23:6 who are following us being our bestest friends! God has left us bereft even though our world tries to make it seem so.
"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9
We look at our lives and believe no one could live a life as miserable as ours. Yet there are many in this world who would trade with us in a heartbeat if they could.
God has a great plan for our lives and we cannot conceive of the abundant life He has for us, if we are planted close enough to hear what He has to say to us, and we are obedient in His plan.
So, too shall pass no matter what kind of turmoil I going through at the time I can say: You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Isaiah 55:12.
The trees will clap their hands with Joy, I can hardly wait for that!
Lord, When my life becomes a long series of painful circumstances and problems, when pain is all I seem to have and no end is in sight, I will rejoice in You always I will rejoice I will not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present my requests to God, and the Peace You give, which transcends all understanding, will guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Thank you Lord, Help me stay so close to you I hear your heart beat.
PLANTED CLOSE TO JESUS
