Deep roots “I just don't know who to trust anymore.” Maybe you have said these words...or perhaps you have heard others speak them. They are words that would be familiar in any and every age. They are just as true when speaking of interpersonal relationships as they are when we speak of leaders and institutions. Trust, like credit, is hard to build up and easily lost. When trust is broken, we feel uprooted, angry, confused and betrayed. I once heard a wise person say that trust is given…not earned. Most of us see it just the other way around. We expect or demand that others prove that they are worthy of our trust. So where do we turn when we're not sure how or who to trust? Jeremiah tells us: Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. It sounds like he's repeating himself, but I think he's saying two very distinct things. First of all, that when we give our trust to the Lord, we are the ones who are blessed. The very act of putting our trust in God brings about his blessing in our lives. Secondly, Jeremiah tells us that we are blessed when the source and assurance of our trust is God himself. The prophet reassures us that there is One who IS faithful and true. People and institutions will fail us. They will break trust with us. So, we need deep roots. When our trust is the Lord, we are like trees putting down deep roots that draw on the living water, Jesus himself. “They are like trees planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in due season, with leaves that do not wither…” Psalm 1:3 Blessings,
Matthew+ O God, the strength of all who put their trust in you: Mercifully accept our prayers; and because in our weakness we can do nothing good without you, give us the help of your grace, that in keeping your commandments we may please you both in will and deed; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (BCP p. 216) | 
