But blessed is the man who trusts me, God, the woman who sticks with God. They’re like trees replanted in Eden, putting down roots near the rivers—Never a worry through the hottest of summers, never dropping a leaf, Serene and calm through droughts, bearing fresh fruit every season. [Jeremiah 17:7-8 (MSG)]
The Israelites were told to trust God for their daily manna and not to save any for the following day. Those that kept any manna found it spoiled and full of maggots the next morning. God wanted them to trust Him to meet their daily needs. Throughout the Bible we are assured that God will provide for us. Why then do we have such difficulty believing in His provision?
Today, the Holy Spirit convicted me of not trusting God to provide—and He was right! Last night, while posting devotions that were to be published next week, I accidentally published one without its photo and before its scheduled date. Although I have a good-sized stockpile of already written devotions waiting for publication, I continue to have a niggling fear that someday I will run out of inspiration. So, rather than accept my mistake for what it was and still publish the five scheduled devotions for this week, I rescheduled what was supposed to be today’s message for a later date…all because I was afraid God won’t keep providing me with words to write. After all, I reasoned, I could run short in the future simply because I used six messages this week!
How easy it is to talk the talk—and I talk a great deal about trusting Him—and yet how difficult it is to walk the walk and actually trust our Lord to provide. I can’t help but think of Jesus’ warning to guard against every kind of greed and His parable about the rich man who hoarded his crops. The man had to build bigger barns to hold all his goods but died before ever enjoying or sharing his wealth. Last night, I chose to hoard my crop rather than share it simply because I didn’t trust God’s future provision. Like trees, there will be times we encounter periods of drought and our work will be challenging. But, if we trust in and rely on the Lord, He will nourish us so that we continue to bear His fruit.
It is not the cares of today, but the cares of tomorrow, that weigh a man down. For the needs of today we have corresponding strength given. For the morrow we are told to trust. It is not ours yet. It is when tomorrow’s burden is added to the burden of today that the weight is more than a man can bear. [George Macdonald]
As I stood by the community pool, taking photos of the grands, I noticed that I wasn’t the only person keeping watch. Two lifeguards kept their eyes on the pool full of people. These young women probably go all summer without having to rescue someone and their main purpose is to keep rowdy children (and adults) in line. Still, it is a tremendous responsibility for a couple of teenagers. As attentive as they were to the swimmers, I wasn’t about to trust either one of them with the safety of my loved ones and my eyes remained on the little guys.
As I look out the window, I can see the cars and trucks speeding off to their various destinations. Meanwhile, I am at the gym, feverishly pumping away on the elliptical and going nowhere fast. What really annoys me is that, no matter where I put it, my Fitbit doesn’t fully credit me for my steps or distance. If I’m going to break a sweat and cover a couple of miles on that pitiless machine, I want credit for all my work! Next to me is my husband pedaling the stationary bike. Like me, he’s expending a great deal of energy to go absolutely nowhere and his Fitbit, like mine, won’t properly acknowledge his effort!
The elderly Abraham and Sarah laughed at the thought of the two of them making a child and the old Jewish priest Zechariah doubted his barren wife could conceive. Yet, a thirteen-year old virgin believed that she would miraculously bear a son and a pagan Roman officer believed Jesus could heal his servant with just a word.
Devotions of the Heart 