Those who draw strength in mere flesh

Jeremiah  17:5 Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.

We live in a world where self-reliance, confidence in our abilities, and trust in human relationships are often celebrated. We are taught to be strong, to depend on our intellect, our talents, our wealth, and the people around us.

 But Jeremiah warns us of a danger in this mentality. It is not wrong to value human strength or ability, but when our ultimate trust is placed in mere flesh or human strength, we risk turning our hearts away from the Lord. And when that happens, we step into a life of spiritual barrenness.

Human strength is fleeting. Whether it be physical strength, intelligence, wealth, or influence, these are temporary and can fail us at any moment. How often do we see people who seem to have it all, success, fame, or fortune, only to fall when these earthly sources of strength are stripped away?

Jeremiah reminds us that placing our hope and trust in human strength is to build our lives on a fragile foundation. Just as sand is washed away by the tide, so too is any strength built on human efforts alone. Physical strength can fade, human relationships can disappoint, and financial security can crumble. Even our best-laid plans are subject to the unpredictability of life.

Let us consider the biblical examples of this truth. The Israelites, in their pride, often trusted in their military might, their alliances with other nations, and their kings. Yet every time they turned away from trusting in God, they faced calamity. The same is true for us today. When we rely solely on our strength, we live with the constant fear of failure, because deep down, we know how fragile it truly is.

 There is  danger in turning away from God

Jeremiah makes it clear that when we put our trust in human strength, our hearts naturally turn away from God. Because when we believe we can handle life on our own, we no longer seek the Lord for guidance, for wisdom, for strength. Our reliance on the flesh leads us into spiritual independence, which is ultimately rebellion against God.

The world encourages us to be self-sufficient, to be "masters of our fate." But this attitude leaves little room for God to work in our lives. We shut Him out, thinking we can manage without Him. But the reality is, without God, we are nothing.

This is  a picture of spiritual emptiness! When we trust in the flesh, our lives become barren, devoid of true peace, joy, and purpose. The strength of man may give us temporary success, but it cannot sustain our souls. Only God can fill the deep thirst within us, a thirst for something more than what this world offers.

Furthermore,  in contrast to the one who trusts in the flesh, Jeremiah offers a beautiful alternative in verses 7-8:

"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit." (Jeremiah 17:7-8)

This is a great promise, those who trust in the Lord are like trees planted by streams of water, constantly nourished, strong, and fruitful, even in difficult times. When we draw our strength from God, we are connected to an eternal source. God never fails. His strength is perfect, His provision is constant, and His love is unchanging.

To trust in God is to acknowledge that our own strength is insufficient. It is to admit our dependence on Him and to allow Him to guide, protect, and sustain us. And when we do, we experience the peace that surpasses understanding, a peace that is not dependent on circumstances but on the unshakable foundation of God's presence in our lives.

So, how do we shift our trust from the flesh to God?

1. Daily Surrender: Every day, we must make the conscious decision to surrender our plans, our fears, and our desires to God. This requires humility and a recognition that God's wisdom far exceeds our own.

2. Prayer and Scripture: Staying rooted in God's Word and in constant prayer keeps our hearts aligned with Him. When we saturate our minds with His truth, we are reminded of His promises and His faithfulness.

3. Fellowship with thr brethren: Surround yourself with others who trust in the Lord. A fellowship of believers can encourage us, pray for us, and remind us of the importance of trusting in God rather than ourselves.

4. Faith in Trials: Trusting God doesn't mean we will never face difficulties. But when we do, our response should be to lean into God even more, knowing that He will see us through and that His strength is made perfect in our weakness.

In conclusion, let us place our trust in the Lord alone. Human strength will always fail us, but those who trust in God are never forsaken. 

God bless you. 

Prayer key:

1. Lord, thank you for the blessing of your word today in Jesus Christ name. 

2. Lord, grant me the grace to continually trust you and you alone in Jesus Christ name. 

3. Lord, let me not be too full of myself in Jesus Christ name. 

4. Thank you Lord for answered prayers in Jesus Christ name. Amen.