Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose hope is the Lord. He is like a tree planted beside the waters that stretches out its roots to the stream... (Jeremiah 17:7-8a)
When we are rooted in the Lord, we do not fear the "heat" of hardships and struggles. When we trust the Lord, we are able to remain joyful in the midst of distress. Throughout the centuries, people of faith have done some amazing things. Even as they encountered persecution and rejection, they continued to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Because they whole-heartedly trusted the Lord, even though they were poor and without food, they knew that God would care for their needs, providing what they needed to survive. Even though they cried out in agony, they knew they would eventually rejoice when they met their Savior face to face. Even though they were sad because of the ways of the world, their hearts remained joyful in the Lord. When they were rejected, they knew they were loved by God.
Today, we are reminded to follow in the footsteps of our ancestors in faith. Just as they were rooted in the Lord, we, too, must learn to put all our trust in the Lord.
Faith Chat Question: Are you rooted in the Lord? What steps might you need to take, what might you need to let go of, in order to increase your trust in God?
Faith Response: Read the Beatitudes in Luke's gospel, Luke 6:20-26. As a household, reflect on how you might be poor or rich, hungry or filled, weeping or laughing, hated or welcomed. Discus what your household might do this Lent to share your resources with the poor, to feed the hungry, to comfort those who are sad, and to welcome others. Make a commitment to do one thing in the next 40 days based on these Beatitudes.
Prayer: Loving God, River of Life, allow your compassion to flow through us as we reflect on the goodness in our lives and reach out to those in need. Amen.
