Devotion by Beth Evanko

7 Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. 8 They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream.  It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit.  Jeremiah 17:7-8 

What a beautiful thought that no matter the conditions, when a tree is strongly rooted in a good water supply it will thrive. Can we say the same of ourselves? Like a tree, what are we rooted in? In times of turmoil and struggle, do we have peace and joy in our hearts?

If the answer is no, then how do we find peace and joy in our lives when we are faced with circumstances such as an unexpected illness, a change in employment, or a struggling relationship among many other challenging obstacles? Jeremiah provides the answer by instructing us to trust in God. This is wonderful counsel, but how do we build this trust so that we have deeper roots that sustain us during our darkest hours?

If we turn to the Bible for those who also exhibited this trust in God we can read about Daniel, David, Paul, and others, but our best example and model is Jesus. He lived a life that was deeply rooted in God. If we follow His examples of reading Scripture, praying without ceasing, worshiping, serving, and times of solitude with God, we will find ourselves growing deeper roots.

Take time to grow deeper roots by devoting time to these disciplines. Spend time reading the Bible daily, seek God in solitude and talk to Him in prayer, but more importantly listen to His response. Even if our worship has changed over these last few years due to Covid and now as we transition to the Global Methodist Church, God is still the same and so is our desire to worship Him. He will equip us in these days ahead if we just trust in Him and allow Him to lead us.

In these ways and many others, we grow in our trust in the Lord which provides us with peace and joy even though our circumstances may be challenging. When we walk with God we know who He is and that He is in control. Let the words of “Trust and Obey” by John Henry Sammis be a reminder of growing deeper roots in Him.

When we walk with the Lord
In the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way;
While we do His good will,
He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.

Trust and obey,
For there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus,
But to trust and obey.

Almighty God,

We give you thanks for the Bible and disciplines that help us to grow closer to you. Help us grow deeper roots so that we are like the tree that thrives in all situations. We pray for all those who do not know you that they would come to know you. We pray for healing, guidance and wisdom, and strength and comfort. Thy will be done. In Jesus’ name.

Amen.