S – SCRIPTURE – Write out God’s Word.
This is what the Lord says: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the Lord. He will be like a bush in the wastelands; he will not see prosperity when it comes. He will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives.
“But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
O – OBSERVATION – What do you see in these verses. Who is the audience? What words, phrases stand out to you? Are there any words that are repeated?
· Cursed is the one who trusts and depends on man for his strength and turns his heart from the Lord
· He will be like a bush in the wasteland, not see prosperity
· He will live in the parched places where no one lives
· Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him
· Will be like a tree by the water with roots by the stream
· No fear when heat comes
· Leaves are always green
· No worries in time of drought
· Never fails to bear fruit
A – APPLICATION – This is when we see how God is personally speaking to us. Is God specifically saying something to me in this passage? How can I apply this passage directly to my life? Do I need to make any changes in my life? Is there anything I need to do after reading this passage?
The one who trusts “man”
· Cursed
· Depends on a surface level “flesh”
· Heart is not focused on God but on people who will let you down
· Will be like a brittle bush that can not flourish in an uncultivated barren land
· Eyes focused on the problems rather than the gifts & blessings God gives
· Will live in the dry places of life, constantly seeking refreshment
· Exposed to the elements of life – hurt, pain, discouragement, being let down
The one who trusts in the Lord
· Blessed
· confidence in a deeper, stronger, relationship
· Will grow strong and tall with constant refreshment from God’s living water
· No fear
· Always growing and flourishing even in the hard times
· No worries during seasons of difficulties because eyes are focused on the gifts and blessings God gives
· Always bearing fruit
Which person do I want to be like – the one who puts her trust in “man” or the one who puts her trust in the Lord?
P- PRAYER – Pray God’s Word. Take it deep into your heart and ask Him to help you live out His Truth. Use this time to confess sin He has revealed to you.
Dear Lord, thank you that you are faithful to strengthen us and nourish us when we put our faith in you. Lord help us not depend on a person but help us to focus our hearts on you. Lord protect us in times of trouble. Refresh us each day with your love and through your Word – for YOU are our living water. In your Name I pray, Amen.
In His Calm,
