“But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:7-8)

Bothered and worried. These might be the best words to describe 2020 for a lot of people. A pandemic not yet cured, civil unrest, and division among people unlike any we’ve seen in many decades. Some would say there is plenty to be bothered and worried about, so what is the solution? If you watch the news it certainly doesn’t seem like anyone has come up with one. Yet, the Christian already knows the solution; we have already found the answer to all of our problems: Jesus Christ. The problem we are seeing is sin: the sinful, fallen nature of man has been on full display and the saving grace of Jesus Christ is the only solution. Are you bothered? Are you worried? The Lord says those who trust in Him do not need to be bothered or worried.

“They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.” (Psalms 1:3)

“Jesus replied, ‘Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.’” (John 4:13-14)

Because of this living water, we do not need to be bothered by the heat or worried about the drought. There is a lot of heat in our world right now and the drought has been a long one, but those who put their trust in the Lord do not put their hopes in a political party or legislative solution. Our hope comes from the Lord.

“I look up to the mountains—does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth!” (Psalm 121:1-2)

“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

“Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.” (Philippians 4:11-12) 

“‘I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.’” (John 16:33)

We know that as we approach the end of times and Jesus’ return, the labor pains are only going to get worse. Remember that as children of God, as those who trust in the Lord, we don’t have to be bothered by the heat or worried about the droughts. We are like trees along the water and our hope and confidence is the Lord.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

—Redeemed