Devotional
Jeremiah 17:5-10
By Andres Chinchin
In these verses, the Lord warns us about the danger of placing our absolute trust in our own strength, wisdom and feelings. Our hearts are sick because of sin and are often unable to show us the path of truth and life. As the proverb says, “there is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is destruction” (Proverbs 14:12).
What can we do about it?
These verses show us that our trust must be in the Lord. This does not give us a licence for passivity; on the contrary, it is an active invitation to dwell in the Lord, because trusting in him is the same as delighting in his word (Psalm 1: 1-3).
To think
In the old testament the heart refers to the inner being of a person, including his reason and feelings. Our desires and actions flow from the heart (Feinberg as cited in Guzik, 2022).
How can we take care of our heart?
Abiding in Christ. This means meditating on his word each day, setting aside time for prayer, rest, and practising God’s presence wherever we are.
As Isaiah 26:3 says, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”
Prayer
Lord Jesus, persevere my thought in you, that I may dwell in your love and truth, as the branch dwells in the vine, and be kept in complete peace amidst the storm and pain.
Amen
