Young Adults' Group

Trust And Hope In The Lord

by Pastor Mark
July 21, 2022

The choice of placing our trust

In dealing with life’s problems, let us carefully consider in whom we should place our trust. Whether we place our trust wisely or foolishly, there would be long-term consequences that would impact us adversely. Let us choose wisely to put our faith in the Lord.

The problem with Israel was that it did not humbly seek to trust the Lord. Even though the Lord had blessed them richly from the time they were delivered from Egypt, Israel defiantly disobeyed God and turned to idols. They trusted other nations, such as the Egyptians and the Assyrians, for help. As a result, there came significant failure and disaster.

The problem of placing our trust in man

“Thus says the LORD: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart departs from the LORD.”” (Jeremiah 17:5)

1. Israel foolishly chose to trust in man…in what he seemingly can do.
2. The Lord brought a serious word of divine warning to the people of Israel.
3. He would “curse” the people for trusting in man.
4. God would not bless Israel at all.
5. Israel placed their trust in the physical…in men who were made of flesh.
6. Their trust reflected their hearts that had departed from the Lord.
7. Israel was likened to a shrub in the desert (Jeremiah 17:6).
   • It bears no fruit.
   • It will not see any good.
   • It will inhabit the parched places in the wilderness.
   • It will have a land laden with salt, which was of no use.

Let us guard against trusting in man and becoming a “shrub” in the wilderness.

The blessing of placing our trust and hope in God

In contrast, the Lord gave an uplifting word to those who would place their trust and hope in God.

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is the LORD.” (Jeremiah 17:7)

1. There is a great blessing to the man who trusts in God.
2. He places complete trust in the Lord.
3. He finds a lasting hope in the Lord for the future.
4. He would not lose hope no matter how difficult the challenges were.
5. He is likened to a tree that is thriving (Jeremiah 17:8).
   • It is well-planted near “waters” that are of a bountiful supply.
   • It will have a sound root system that is spread out to the river.
   • It will not fear the hot days when rain is lacking.
   • Its leaf will continue to flourish.
   • It does not have to be anxious in times of drought when other trees may die.
   • It will continue to be blessed with fruitfulness.

Let us be challenged to trust God and become a thriving and flourishing “tree”.

The challenge to place our complete trust and hope in God

When faced with difficulties in life, let us choose not to fully depend on the people around us, such as family and friends. Let us be challenged to put our absolute trust and hope in God, who makes us thrive and flourish despite the hardships of life.

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