As humans we like to have choices. It allows us to feel “in control” – God knows our tendency and so He often gives us choices that I’ll liken to someone offering us a choice between a scoop of poop or chocolate ice cream!
I think often people are offended by such “either or” options because they don’t like the fact that in some respects the choice really isn’t much of a choice.
Regrettably, as a result, people will often set off in rebellion to create a third choice where they get to create a hybrid option… the only problem with that is God is completely honest – if He says there’s only two options and you don’t opt for the “good” option because you’re trying to create a third option… well, you inevitably end up with a bowl of poop. There is no “third” option if God says there’s two options.
With that intro, let me share what the Lord highlighted to me in Jeremiah 17 today:
Option 1: verses 5-6
Thus says the LORD: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the LORD. He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land.
Option 2: verses 7-8
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”
Since I don’t believe anyone in their right mind would WANT to be cursed let me ask… Who are you trusting in? Your flesh? Man? Or are you truly trusting God? I pray you choose wisely… because trusting in your flesh AND being blessed is NOT an option.
Lord, forgive us for being arrogant enough to think we would take better care of ourselves than You would. I pray You would heal the wounds caused by the enemy that have taught us to believe that lie. You alone are worthy of trust. Thank You for contending for our trust and being more than worthy of receiving it. Thank You for having good plans for us. I pray that we all would learn to trust you more each day. Thank You for Your patience with us.
Thank you, Meghan! This is very good!! This so fits with a conversation I was having with someone today. God does not give us boundaries to make us miserable but to keep us in a place of protection & blessing, not to mention, His Presence. Oh, but how easily we slip into ‘self-reliance’! May God show me the ‘little foxes’ that sneak into my daily life.
God alone is my Strength & my Sure Foundation; He is the Rock on which I stand!