In what ways can we avoid becoming like the "bush in the desert"? Setting the Scene—Jeremiah 17:5-8 “Thus says the LORD: ‘Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind and makes the flesh his strength, and whose heart turns away from the LORD. He will be like a bush in the desert; he will not see when prosperity comes. He will dwell in parched places of the wilderness, in a salt land where no one lives. But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the waters that sends out its roots toward the stream; it does not fear when heat comes, and its leaves are always green. It will not worry in a year of drought, nor will it cease to yield fruit.’” (Jeremiah 17:5-8) Why the Bush Withers • Trust in human strength replaces trust in God • The heart “turns away” from the LORD—spiritual drift that feels small but proves devastating • Isolation in “parched places”—self-imposed distance from fellowship and worship • Blindness to blessing: “he will not see when prosperity comes” because unbelief dulls perception Choosing Living Water Instead • Psalm 1:1-3 links delight in God’s law with fruitfulness: “He is like a tree planted by streams of water…” • John 7:37-38 points to Jesus as the fountain: “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink.” • Colossians 2:6-7 urges continuous rooting: “having been firmly rooted… built up in Him…” Practical Steps to Stay Rooted Spirit Dependence • Begin each day confessing utter need for the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18) • Replace self-reliance with quick, earnest prayer before decisions (Proverbs 3:5-6) Scripture Saturation • Read, rehearse, and memorize passages that magnify God’s power (Isaiah 40; Romans 8) • Meditate, not merely skim—let the Word dwell richly (Colossians 3:16) Consistent Fellowship • Gather with believers who speak truth in love (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Invite accountability that redirects the heart when it starts to “turn away” Worshipful Obedience • Act promptly on what Scripture says—obedience waters the roots (James 1:22-25) • Serve others; fruitfulness grows through self-giving (Galatians 5:13-14) Eternal Perspective • Recall that earthly droughts are temporary; glory is eternal (2 Corinthians 4:17-18) • Keep a gratitude list to “see when prosperity comes” and praise God for it Encouraging Promises for the Rooted Life • “The LORD will guide you continually; He will satisfy your desire in scorched places and strengthen your bones. You will be like a well-watered garden.” (Isaiah 58:11) • “Those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles.” (Isaiah 40:31) • “I am the vine; you are the branches… apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) Summary We avoid becoming like the bush in the desert by rejecting self-reliance, rooting ourselves daily in Christ through Scripture, prayer, fellowship, obedient action, and a forward-looking hope. Trust in the LORD turns barren scrub into a flourishing, fruit-bearing tree planted by living water. |
    |