"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose hope is the Lord. He is like a tree planted beside the waters that stretches out it roots to the stream: It fears not the heat when it comes, its leaves stay green; In the year of the drought it shows no distress, but still bears fruit." -Jer 17: 7-8
Internally I translate this to, “Be not afraid but trust in God in all things and under all circumstances. Your trust will bring fortification to your soul so evil flees from you, like it did from Jesus, allowing God’s grace to surround and hold you up to become a life-supporting creature of God.” It feels like soul refreshment, drawing to memory those who have gone before blazing a path for us, by overcoming obstacles and ultimately succeeding in the quest to be an authentic and holy child of God.
I think of Mother Mary, the suffering she must have endured. Yet all the days of her life were spent trusting and resting in God’s grace. I think of Joseph, betrayed by members of his own family and sold into Egypt, yet rising above and through it all. He trusted in the God of his youth and was not disappointed. I think of St. Catherine of Siena, who bravely went out to meet those ready to condemn her, willing to die, if that was God’s plan for her. Their lives confirm the reality of the promise, strengthen and encourage me to trust in the Lord no matter what, for there is no one and nothing more powerful than God.
Is there a difficulty or obstacle I am facing that I need to entrust to God more completely? Who inspires me the most that I can look to in times of uncertainty?
Reflected by Ruth Clarke Ragin
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