My friend and colleague sent me a devotional he wrote for himself. I knew instantly it would bless anyone willing to read and believe! - Michael Smalley

by Kris DeJeet

"Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD And whose trust is the LORD. 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 17:7-8

As I grieve in my heart, anticipating the types of destruction that may lay ahead for America, our once free nation, I was reminded of the importance of possessing authentic faith through the words of the prophet Jeremiah. The trust, confidence, and assurance of our Christian faith have an object, a guarantor, and His name is the Lord. I'm afraid we’ve placed too much emphasis on our ability to self-govern, our great institutions, and our leaders into protecting and providing for our safety, security, and prosperity.

After setbacks and losses, we often look for someone or something to blame... a man, a political party, or a strategy that didn't work. Even our modern-day prophets have been proven false, adding further to the disappointment many feel. Grief and loss, anxiety, and fear are emotional reactions that follow events like this, but they also allow for an opportunity.

Emotional reactions of grief and loss, anxiety, and fear are inspirational gifts given to us by God, reminding us to redirect our focus to the actual author of blessing, Jehovah, Himself. It’s been this way for thousands of years; Scripture affirms this throughout its pages.

Jeremiah reminds us that trusting in man, or the arm of the flesh, is just the opposite of blessing...he calls it a curse. He reminds us, the unseen roots of our genuine faith connects us to the Giver of blessing and to the source of the River of Life.

Regardless, of what takes place above the ground, the buried roots of genuine faith connect us to the source that produces spiritual fruit in our hearts, immunizing us from the fear, anxiety, and uncertainty of what lies ahead.

Thank you, Jeremiah, for reminding us...again.