Coffee Cup Memos

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. Jeremiah 17:7, 8 ESV

I love the imagery expressed in God’s words because it reminds me how beneficial it is to trust in him. Faith grows in our relationship with him as he provides us support and sustenance.

Notice in the passage how it describes the tree’s roots reaching for water; it wants to be fed and hydrated. The roots are also an anchoring system that wrangles deeper into the soil to maintain position and stability. Remaining close and connected to the water source enables it to endure harsh conditions. Isn’t that what we want for our souls, too?

Being rooted in the Lord grows my confidence because I learn more about him and what he has done to care for his people. Scripture says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. And so I submit to his guidance, learning about his ways, his character, and his desire to maintain goodness and administer justice.

He wants to keep my leaves green by pruning away the dead branches, the unfruitful junk in my heart and overall lifestyle. It’s not that he doesn’t want me to experience joy. He wants me to have that and so much more because there is a spiritually healthier way to live, and that is to follow him. God wants to be my guide and he is delighted to do it.

Over time, as I mature and gain wisdom, I become unshakeable because my “trust is in the LORD.” There is no need for me to be anxious because I know that he’s in control. I’ve learned that he uses hardships and trials to test and strengthen my faith in him. When I am pushed to my limit, he sends me help, and he pulls me along so that I don’t give up. That is what a good Dad does; he helps me cross a busy street and makes sure that I make it to the other side, with him.

I really love being on this journey, pursuing God and discovering all that he has in store for me. It’s an exciting adventure full of surprises and interesting people.

Sometimes I feel that I am just seeing the opening scenes in my middle age; there is so much more to learn, and a lot more life for me to experience and give away. As long as I am in good health, I will continue to be watchful, and I will enjoy the blessings and activities that come my way.

I suppose that is what it means to live without regrets—to be fully present and pay attention to what’s happening around you, rather than missing out on experiences for lack of faith.

God, what do you have for me today? Let’s do something cool and seize another opportunity to do some good.