Understanding the Dangers of Relying on Human Strength and the Blessings of Putting Our Hope in God
Introduction: What Does Jeremiah 17:5 Really Say?
Have you ever thought, “If I just work harder or depend on the right people, everything will work out”? It’s a common feeling, especially when life gets tough. But there’s a powerful message in the Bible—Jeremiah 17:5—that warns us about putting too much trust in human strength, even our own. In simple terms, this verse says: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord.”
Let’s unpack what this means for our everyday lives, why relying on ourselves or other people isn’t enough, and how trusting in God can change everything for the better.
What Does It Mean to Trust in Man?
Trusting in “man” doesn’t just mean believing in other people—it includes trusting in our own abilities, resources, or plans more than we trust in God. It’s like thinking we’ve got everything under control and we don’t need help from anyone, not even God. For example, maybe you:
· Rely on your job title or paycheck for security
· Count on friends or family to solve all your problems
· Think you can handle any challenge if you just try hard enough
Or maybe we look to political figures or human systems for security, rather than depending on God’s wisdom and direction. While these things aren’t wrong by themselves, if they become our primary source of hope and strength, we’re likely to end up disappointed. People can fail us, situations shift, and even our own abilities have limits.
The Consequences of Relying on Ourselves or Others
Jeremiah uses a vivid picture: someone who trusts in human power is like a lonely shrub in a dry desert. Imagine a small, withered bush struggling to survive in a place where nothing grows. That’s what happens to our hearts and lives when we depend only on ourselves or others—we end up feeling empty, anxious, and spiritually dry.
It’s not that we’re doomed, but our lives lack the deep satisfaction and peace that come from a relationship with God. When we put all our hope in our own plans or in other people, we miss out on the strength, wisdom, and joy God wants to give us.
The Deceitfulness of the Human Heart
Why do we keep falling into the trap of self-reliance? Jeremiah explains that the human heart is “deceitful.” That means we can trick ourselves into believing we’re stronger, smarter, or more in control than we really are. We may think, “I know what’s best for me,” but our judgment isn’t always as reliable as we’d like to believe.
We all have blind spots. Sometimes pride, fear, or past experiences cloud our decisions. This is why it’s risky to rely only on our own understanding. We need something—and Someone—greater than ourselves to guide us.
The Blessings of Trusting in God
Now comes the good news! In the very next verse (Jeremiah 17:7-8), we’re told that those who trust in God are like a tree planted by a river. This tree isn’t afraid of heat or drought. Its leaves stay green, and it always bears fruit. In other words, people who put their hope in God find a steady source of strength, peace, and joy—no matter what’s happening around them.
Trusting God doesn’t mean life will be perfect, but it does mean we’ll never face life’s challenges alone. God promises to provide, guide, and give us the courage we need. When our roots go deep into His love and promises, we can flourish even in hard times.
Learning from Israel’s Mistake
Jeremiah spoke these words to the people of Israel because they kept turning away from God and relying on their own wisdom or alliances with other nations. It didn’t work out well—they faced hardship and loss. But their story isn’t just ancient history. Today, we face the same temptation to trust our own plans, political leaders and politics or the latest advice instead of seeking God first.
We can learn from their mistake by remembering that true security and happiness aren’t found in what we can do, but in what God does for us.
Practical Steps to Trust God More
So how can we put this lesson into practice? Here are some simple steps to help you shift your trust from yourself (or others) to God:
· Start your day with prayer. Ask God for help and guidance before you begin any task.
· Read encouraging verses. Remind yourself of God’s promises, especially when you’re worried or unsure.
· Admit when you need help. It’s okay to be honest about your limitations and ask God (and others) for support.
· Celebrate small steps of faith. Notice when you choose to trust God instead of panicking or controlling everything.
· Share your worries with God. Whenever you feel anxious, talk to Him about it and ask for His peace.
Conclusion: Place Your Hope in God
Jeremiah 17:5 reminds us that there’s a better way to live. Instead of carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders or putting all our hope in people who might let us down, we can trust in a God who never fails. No matter what you’re facing today, God invites you to let go of self-reliance and put your confidence in Him.
When you do, you’ll discover deep peace, renewed strength, and blessings that go beyond your circumstances. So take a step of faith—trust God with your heart, and watch your life flourish like a tree planted by the water.
Heavenly Father, thank You for inviting us to trust You completely. As we step forward in faith, help us to surrender our worries and lean on Your promises. Fill our hearts with Your peace, guide our steps with Your wisdom, and strengthen us to rely on You each day. May Your love surround us and Your spirit empower us to live with hope and courage. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Minister A Francine Green
February 2026
afrancinegreen.com 