Reflecting on Jeremiah 17:5-11: Where Do We Place Our Trust?
Throughout life, we are often encouraged to “believe in ourselves,” to muster our own strength, and to rely on our abilities to overcome challenges. While self-confidence can be valuable, the Bible offers a sobering warning against placing our ultimate trust in human power. In Jeremiah 17:5-11, we encounter a powerful message: relying on human strength leads to spiritual barrenness, but trusting in God brings deep-rooted blessing and lasting security. This passage invites us to reflect on where our trust truly lies, and challenges us to shift our confidence from the fragile to the unshakeable.
1. The Warning of Jeremiah 17:5 – Trust in Man vs. Trust in God
Jeremiah 17:5 begins with a clear admonition: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord.” The prophet contrasts two ways of living—trusting in human power versus trusting in God. When we rely on others or ourselves as our primary source of security, we risk turning our hearts away from the Lord, inadvertently making human capability our idol. This isn’t a call to distrust everyone, but rather a warning against elevating human resources above God’s provision. Our natural inclination is to lean on what we see, touch, and control, but scripture reminds us that true security comes from a higher source.
2. Metaphors Explained – Bush in the Desert vs. Tree by the Water
Jeremiah paints vivid pictures to illustrate his point. The person who trusts in man is “like a bush in the wastelands; they will not see prosperity when it comes. They will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives.” In contrast, “blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord… They 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.”
The bush in the desert is isolated, with shallow roots and little hope for survival. It symbolizes the emptiness and vulnerability of relying on human strength. On the other hand, the tree by the water thrives—even in heat and drought—because its roots tap into a constant, unseen source. Trusting God is like being rooted in a life-giving stream; we are nourished and sustained regardless of external circumstances.
3. The Deceitfulness of the Human Heart
Jeremiah 17:9 brings another layer of insight: “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” Our hearts, with their shifting desires and motivations, can easily lead us astray. We may convince ourselves that our plans, efforts, or relationships will fulfill us, only to discover disappointment or disillusionment. The passage reminds us that only God truly understands our hearts, and only He can guide us into what is good and lasting. This is both a humbling and freeing truth: we don’t have to be enslaved to our own limited understanding.
4. Consequences of Misplaced Trust
When we place our trust in human strength or worldly resources, we risk spiritual dryness and instability. The “bush in the wastelands” doesn’t thrive, and neither do we when we rely on ourselves or others apart from God. We may experience anxiety, fear, or a sense of emptiness when our foundations are shaken. Misplaced trust can also lead to pride, disappointment, and a cycle of striving for control that leaves us weary. The Bible’s warning is clear: misplaced trust ultimately leads to barrenness, not blessing.
5. Blessings of Trusting in God
In contrast, those who trust in the Lord are “like a tree planted by the water.” Their roots go deep, drawing from God’s constant presence, wisdom, and love. Even in seasons of drought or difficulty, they remain steadfast and fruitful. Trusting God doesn’t mean a trouble-free life, but it does mean we have a source of strength and hope that cannot be taken away. The blessings of relying on God include peace, resilience, spiritual growth, and the ability to endure hardships without fear.
6. Practical Applications – How to Place Faith in God Daily
- Begin each day with prayer: Acknowledge your dependence on God and invite Him into your plans and decisions.
- Reflect on God’s promises: Spend time in Scripture, especially passages that remind you of His faithfulness and strength.
- Release control: When you feel anxious or tempted to control outcomes, consciously surrender those situations to God.
- Seek God’s guidance: Before making decisions, ask for God’s wisdom and wait on His direction rather than rushing ahead in your own strength.
- Surround yourself with faith community: Share your journey with others who encourage you to trust in God, not just yourself or worldly solutions.
Conclusion: Encouragement to Trust God
Jeremiah 17:5-11 is not just a warning, but an invitation into deeper faith. It calls us to examine where we place our trust and to move our roots from the shifting sands of human power to the steady stream of God’s strength. When we do, we find stability, growth, and blessing that cannot be matched by anything the world offers. May we each choose the life-giving path of trusting in God, knowing that He alone understands our hearts and holds our future securely.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 