Jeremiah 17:7-8

God used the prophet Jeremiah for decades to warn Judah that He was going to correct them for their apostasy (falling away from faith) and idolatry (worship of false gods) if they continued down the sinful path of destruction they were on. All the while God would have healed Judah, (a territory occupied by the Jewish tribe of Judah, son of Jacob) had they repented and turned back to the one true God. Even though their name "Judah" means praised or celebrated, they were cursing God, exemplified by the way they were living their lives. God is not mocked...(Galatians 6:7).

God was going to correct Judah even if they had turned back to Him, which they did not, because with sinful behavior there are consequences. As Christians we will not be judged for our sins, which are covered by Christ Jesus. As with Judah, God will correct His children's sinful behavior. When He does, it is necessary for us to remain steadfast in trusting Him. As with a parent that loves their child, Gods correction of our wrong behavior is in our best interest.

Jeremiah 17:7-8 is about trusting God, especially when difficult times come. Whether they are His correction of our sinful behavior or because He is allowing a trial in our lives for reasons unknown to us. "...all things work together for good to those who love the Lord..." (Romans 8:28). As we examine this verse, note that different Hebrew definitions are used for the word trust. "Blessed are those who trust (be bold, confident, secure, sure) in the Lord And whose trust (refuge, security) is the Lord. "For they are like trees planted (transplanted by God, by implication of context) by the water (refreshment) with roots (figuratively-firmness or permanence) that reach deep "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."

Oh what a gracious and loving God we serve! When we are experiencing difficult times and He is where we confidently place our trust, He becomes our trust, our security, and He places us in a refreshing place where we firmly stay, not afraid or worried in our struggle. Rather, we are nourished, all the while producing fruit for His kingdom. Fellow Christians are edified, while the unsaved are witnessed to, by the peace He imparts to us in the midst of our struggle. All the more, God's holy name is glorified.

To God be the glory