29 February 2024

Blessed are those who trust in the Lord,
whose trust is the Lord.
They shall be like a tree planted by water,
sending out its roots by the stream.
It shall not fear when heat comes,
and its leaves shall stay green;
in the year of drought it is not anxious,
and it does not cease to bear fruit.
From Jeremiah 17:5-10, NRSV

Jeremiah made many dire pronouncements against the people of Israel warning them of the judgement they would receive. Once in a while, he also offered some words of hope and consolation as in this section from today’s reading. Even when many of the people had fallen into ways of idolatry and sin, there were still those – the faithful remnant – who were faithful and who trusted in God. Jeremiah was letting them know that God saw their fidelity and that they would be rewarded by a God who knew their innermost thoughts.

• • Was it important for those who trusted in God to be told that God would reward them?
  • Where do you receive encouragement in your faith?

Pray today for those who face criticism or discrimination because of their faith.