Trust in the Lord, Not in Man

Note from today’s Bible reading: Jeremiah 13-17

In addressing the sins of His people, God contrasted two individuals – one who trusted in the Lord and one who trusted in man.

He first said, “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind and makes flesh his strength, and whose heart turns away from the Lord. For he will be like a bush in the desert and will not see when prosperity comes, but will live in stony wastes in the wilderness, a land of salt without inhabitant” (Jeremiah 17:5-6). By trusting in man, this individual inevitably turned away from the Lord.

In contrast with this man, the Lord said, “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). The Lord is the source of strength and spiritual nourishment we need. Those who put their trust in Him will be able to weather whatever difficult circumstances they may face.

So trust in the Lord, not in man. Others will eventually fail us because they are fallible human beings (just as we are). Only the Lord can truly sustain us in a way that will never disappoint.