Living Lent – Day 14

Jeremiah 17: 5-10

Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is in the Lord.

Today’s passage from Jeremiah makes me think of the times I have been donated plants to add some greenery to my work office or at home. These plants had been thriving before they came into my ownership but before long the leaves were brown, had withered and eventually died. This was obviously due to my lack of care and attention, putting the plant in the wrong place (in a dark corner or in too much sunlight), forgetting to water and feed them. It became a bit of a joke in the end and I don’t get given many plants to look after anymore! I think Jeremiah is telling us in this passage not to treat our faith like I treated my plants but to nurture and sustain it, keep the roots firmly secure in God’s love, and then we will be able to withstand anything that is thrown at us.

Today we are asked to pray for primary school aged children and I am fortunate to spend some time with those who attend “Encounter” on Sunday mornings. To see them learn new skills, start to read and write and develop into caring human beings is a real privilege. Whenever I have doubts or am beginning to think that I am distant from God, then a few minutes spent talking with these children can wipe away a tear, put the smile on my face and restore my faith instantly.

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.

Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.

Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,
But is blessed if we trust and obey.

But we never can prove the delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favour He shows, for the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.

Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet,
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way;
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;
Never fear, only trust and obey.

Daniel Brink Towner & John Henry Sammis (Public Domain)

Ponder… What would you say to someone who pointed to examples of those who do not trust in God but appear to flourish and those who do trust in God but suffer.

Pray… FOR OUR COMMUNITY Pray for primary school aged children who attend our local schools. Pray that as they grow, as well as their academic learning, they also learn the important lessons of friendship, courage and integrity. FOR THE WORLD Pray for access to basic education for children worldwide. Education is one of the main routes out of poverty, so pray that we may one day live in a world where education is available to all young children.

Act… Do your bit to make our planet cleaner – pick up some stray litter and put it in the bin.