INTRODUCTION
I am a Nigerian, so I am talking as an insider. I know what I am talking about. All Nigerians are in tears and in trouble.
Nigeria is like hell in nature. Someone said, "if anyone survive Nigerian condition, such can survive the hellfire".
Whatever that happens in Nigeria is government business. There is no security at all in my own country Nigeria. Many people in Nigeria have decided to fate.
Nigeria don't even know where it is heading to. insecurity is the concern of everyone in Nigeria. It was so in Israel when Jeremiah was prophesying. Nigerian currency is like tissue paper. It is the lowest currency world wide.
Don't depend on the economy of Nigeria. Don't depend on any person else you will not succeed. Depend on God Almighty, He is the only safe place. The only hope for anyone is God Almighty.
Our country is not safe. Even the church is not safe. Some church members are in the secret cults. Occultist are everywhere in Nigeria. Males and females are involved.
This world is corrupted so much that you don't trust anyone even your own friends and family members. I declare that none of you will be a victim.
Be mindful of your phone calls. Don't answer every call unless you have such number installed.
Nigeria is not for all rather, for the few privileged. Run into the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY and be secured. God is the only security we have.
Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.
For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited.
Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.
For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. (Jeremiah 17:5-8)
In these verses, the prophet Jeremiah contrasts the outcomes of trusting in human beings versus trusting in the Lord. It highlights the consequences of relying solely on human strength and wisdom, as opposed to placing one's trust in God.
Cursed is the man who trusts in man:
Jeremiah begins by pronouncing a curse on those who place their trust in human beings and make flesh their strength. This refers to relying solely on human wisdom, abilities, and resources, while neglecting or turning away from a reliance on God.
Desolation and fruitlessness:
Jeremiah describes the fate of those who trust in man as being like a shrub in a desert. The desert symbolizes a place of barrenness, dryness, and a lack of sustenance. The person who trusts in human strength will not experience true fulfillment or see the goodness that comes from God. They will dwell in parched places and inhabit a land that is unfruitful and inhospitable.
Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord:
Conversely, Jeremiah speaks of the blessings that come to the person who places their trust in the Lord. This person is compared to a tree planted by the waters, with roots that reach deep and draw sustenance from the river. They are not affected by external circumstances such as heat or drought, and their leaves remain green. They continue to bear fruit and thrive, even in challenging seasons.
The passage from Jeremiah 17:5-8 emphasizes the importance of trust in God and warns against relying solely on human strength and wisdom. It highlights the consequences of seeking security and fulfillment in worldly things rather than in a relationship with God. The passage encourages us to place our trust in the Lord, to draw sustenance from Him, and to rely on His guidance and provision. By doing so, we can experience the blessings of spiritual nourishment, resilience, and fruitfulness, even in the midst of challenging circumstances.
Trusting in Man:
The passage begins with a warning against trusting in human beings and making flesh our strength. It cautions us against relying solely on human wisdom, abilities, or the resources of this world. When we place our ultimate trust in fallible human beings, we are prone to disappointment and failure. Human strength is limited and transient, but God's strength is limitless and eternal.
The Curse of Self-Reliance:
Jeremiah pronounces a curse on those who trust in man and depart from the Lord. This curse refers to the spiritual consequences of relying solely on human wisdom and neglecting a relationship with God. It is a reminder that when we put our confidence in ourselves or others apart from God, we distance ourselves from His guidance, provision, and blessings.
The Desolation of Self-Reliance:
Jeremiah paints a vivid picture of the desolation that comes from trusting in man. The imagery of a shrub in the desert represents a life devoid of spiritual nourishment and fruitfulness. Just as a shrub in a parched land struggles to survive and bear fruit, a person who relies solely on human strength and wisdom will experience spiritual dryness and lack true fulfillment.
The Blessings of Trusting in the Lord:
In contrast, Jeremiah presents the blessings that come from trusting in the Lord. The person who places their trust in God is compared to a tree planted by the waters, symbolizing spiritual nourishment and stability. This person draws sustenance from God's presence, wisdom, and provision. They are not easily shaken by external circumstances and maintain a vibrant spiritual life, bearing fruit and experiencing God's blessings even in challenging times.
The Importance of Hope:
The passage emphasizes that the one who trusts in the Lord finds their hope in Him. Trust and hope go hand in hand. When we trust in God, we place our hope in His faithfulness, power, and promises. This hope sustains us during difficult seasons and enables us to remain steadfast in our faith.
The passage from Jeremiah 17:5-8 serves as a reminder of the dangers of relying solely on human strength and wisdom. It calls us to place our ultimate trust in the Lord, recognizing His sovereignty, wisdom, and faithfulness. By doing so, we can experience spiritual nourishment, stability, and fruitfulness in our lives. It encourages us to cultivate a deep trust in God, seeking Him as our ultimate source of strength, guidance, and fulfillment.
CONCLUSION
I pray for your survival. No matter how worst economy will be, you will survive. God Almighty will help you. "Blessed is the man that trusts in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is" (v. 7). Don't depend on collapsible circle.