The Holy Spirit
I’m into a new devotional. Well, it’s not a new devotional. It’s one I’ve read before. But in this season, it is giving me hope again. I had read it in 2016 (I had just started the dissertation process and needed confidence, and my husband was working out of town a lot so I was like a single mom of three under age 12). When I was reviewing my journal from back then, I could tell I was greatly encouraged by the Proverbs 31 author Renee Swope in A Confident Heart. I was experiencing great joy and connection to God in 2016 though it was a really tough time. So, I bought the devotional again (as I had given the other away). I don’t know why I give my devotions away; I just do. Like, I’ve given Priscilla Shirer’s book Fervent: A Woman’s Battle Plan to Serious, Specific, and Strategic Prayer away at least 10 times. It even saved a friend’s marriage once. I need to buy it again. But, I digress.
Within the first few pages, I’m entranced reading about God’s promises in A Confident Heart and how being connected to him can help me thrive even in challenging circumstances. Jeremiah 17:7-8 “Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no fears in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
Did you get that? When I abide in HIm (which means to trust, lean into, communicate, seek His Word), then I will be nourished by Him and will not have to fear when I’m challenged. I can be sustained and still bear fruit even in the hardest of circumstances. Trust in Him. God loves us and promises to be with us and helps us thrive. Life is challenging and we need Him. WE can be blessed when we trust in the Lord.
In researching commentaries on Jeremiah 17:7-8, I found a Telehealth Crisis and Compassion Line in British Columbia/a blog. I loved what they had to say about the Holy Spirit. In reference to the tree being planted by the water in Jeremiah, “this tree is able to send its roots by the stream, which means that it has access to a constant supply of water. This is a powerful metaphor as it suggests that those who trust in God have access to a source of spiritual nourishment that can sustain them through difficult times.”
Yes, Jesus, yes! Words of hope.
flourishings.blog 