Thus says the LORD:

Cursed is the one who trusts in human beings, who seeks his strength in flesh, whose heart turns away from the LORD. He is like a barren bush in the desert that enjoys no change of season, but stands in a lava waste, a salt and empty earth.

 

Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose hope is the LORD. He is like a tree planted beside the waters that stretches out its roots to the stream: it fears not the heat when it comes; its leaves stay green; in the year of drought it shows no distress, but still bears fruit.

  Jeremiah 17:5-8

 

 

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for today and for the opportunity to trust in You and to focus on bearing fruits of faith. It is inevitable that there will be seasons of our lives that can cause us to feel like there is little hope of positive change back to where we were or to simply better circumstances. However, please remind us that these times can propel us forward and closer to you.  When we invite you into our suffering, and when we feel spiritually dry, it will make us stronger and able to bear fruit during our time in the parched desert.

 

Today we pray that we remember that not just during tough times but at all times to rely on you more and on ourselves and worldly ways less.  Yes, everything we have you give to us and want us to use in serving you in doing what is good.  However, we must remember that things are things and human ways are human ways and we cannot rely upon things and ourselves for true purpose. For true purpose is to come to know you and to fully trust in you.  This can only be achieved by embracing you as the center of everything we do.

 

May our roots of faith only grow deeper into the endless supply of living water only you can provide.  May we not fear the bad times, suffering or any battle we find ourselves in. For when we look to find the joy in the battle, there you will be. Amen