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 (Jer. 17:7-8).

Many of us are encouraged by Bible verses that promise a reward for our faithful obedience to God. That’s good. That’s why such verses are in Scripture.

But there are two easy ways to mess up the encouragement. One way is to claim credit for the blessings; the other way is to claim nothing but blessings will come to those sufficiently obedient.

God’s beautiful blessings should be viewed more as evidence of his faithfulness than of our deserving them. The person who receives them “trusts in the Lord,” not in his or her qualifications. We should never say, “God, I have earned my reward. So, pay up!”

Despite our undeserving, God’s tender care showers those who trust Him with kindness, grace, and mercy. In these ways the whole world can see his grace on display, and his people delight in his love.

But spiritual blessings do not always translate into material blessings. Family unity, personal well-being, and financial stability are often believers’ earthly fruit, but not always. Heat and drought still come to trees once planted by water. If trials never came, we would not need to trust the Lord.

The trials of this world and the flaws of our heart ever turn us to our eternal Help. Through them we learn of God’s sure blessings flowing beyond this world, not because we are good but because he is.

Prayer:
Father, may your abundant blessings for my heart strengthen me when earthly blessings seem few and motivate me to bear fruit that pleases you and honors your Son.