Jeremiah 17:7
Blessed are those who trust in the LORD; the LORD will be their trust.
As teenagers, many find their first loves, and for most their first breakups. These can be devastating. As we grow into adulthood, many marry and put their full trust in their partner. But more often than we'd like, trust is broken and so is the relationship. This sometimes happens in our friendships and in our workplace relationships. We put our trust in someone and they let us down. We are left broken and have to pick up the pieces.
Today's reading from Jeremiah opens with the line, "Cursed is the man who trusts in human beings,who seeks his strength in flesh, whose heart turns away from the LORD." The prophet goes on to talk about the effects of that misguided trust. Yet he turns it by saying, "blessed are those who trust in the Lord…" Jeremiah reminds us to always stay focused on God. Man is sinful and whether intentional or not, we all mess up. We let people down. But if we trust in the ways of the Lord, even if it's a test, we will come out on top. The conclusion of today's reading has the Lord reminding us that He will test us. "I, the LORD, alone probe the mind and test the heart, to reward everyone according to his ways, according to the merit of his deeds. If in our relationships, if both parties keep eyes focused on God, then our faults will be much less and our personal relationships will grow in strength and love.
