Jeremiah 17:5-10 - Be Like a Tree Planted By Water

Jeremiah 17:5-10

⁵Thus says the LORD: Cursed are those who trust in mere mortals and make mere flesh their strength, whose hearts turn away from the LORD. ⁶They shall be like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see when relief comes. They shall live in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land.

⁷Blessed are those who trust in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. ⁸They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit.

⁹The heart is devious above all else; it is perverse-who can understand it? ¹⁰I the LORD test the mind and search the heart, to give to all according to their ways, according to the fruit of their doings.

• Light a candle to remember Christ’s presence with you.
• Sit five to fifteen minutes in silent meditation paying close attention to the deep breath.
• As you inhale, breathe in the invitation of the water
• As you exhale, let out any fears, doubts, and obstacles that create unfreedom.
• Continue this practice until you are at peace, feeling freedom.
• Remember a time when you were in a desert place in your life. Your focus was on the things of the world turned away from God.
• Remember the dry, parched feeling. What blinders kept you from seeing the relief God wanted you to embrace?
• Give thanks for the shift that came when you were able to embrace the relief and join God at the water.
• What is it in your life today that needs your focus turned toward God, to embrace the relief by the water?
• Sit with God by the water. Invite the water to flow over you and embrace the love and healing that comes.
• What is God's message for you?
• Give thanks to God for this time in prayer and for any new insights you have received.
• Share as you feel led in the reply box below.

Revised Common Lectionary Readings for Sunday, February 17, 2019, the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)

Jeremiah 17:5-10
Psalm 1:1-6
1 Corinthians 15:12-20
Luke 6:17-26

(c) 2019 The Rev. Dr. Lil Smith, DASD.  Permission to use in not-for-profit settings.  Please give credit to author.