Are we trusting the right person? (10 mins.)
Imagine you have to cross a very high bridge. Before taking the first step, you would surely want to know if that bridge is truly safe. If you didn't trust it, you would never dare to cross it.
Something similar happens every day in our lives. We constantly place our trust in someone or something. We trust that traffic lights will work, that our bank will protect our savings, or that a doctor will give us the right treatment. Living without trust would be virtually impossible.
However, when we talk about our future, our emotional security, and above all, our salvation, the question takes on much greater importance: Are we trusting the right person?
Those who rely solely on mere humans displease Jehovah (Is 30:1, 2; Jer 17:5).
We live in a world that constantly urges us to trust governments, experts, the economy, social media, or even our own abilities. But what does Jehovah think? The Bible leaves no room for doubt.
LET'S READ ISAIAH 30:1, 2
“Woe to the stubborn children,” declares the Lord, “who carry out plans that are not mine, who make alliances without the guidance of my Spirit, adding sin to sin! 2 They go down to Egypt without consulting me, to take refuge under the protection of Pharaoh and to seek refuge in the shadow of Egypt.”
In Isaiah's time, Judah felt threatened by Assyria. Instead of turning to Jehovah for guidance and protection, it sought an alliance with Egypt, a military power of the time.
From a human perspective, that decision seemed logical. But Jehovah saw it very differently. Why? Because the people were demonstrating that they trusted more in the strength of men than in the power of God. That is why Jehovah called them “stubborn children.”
The prophet Jeremiah reinforced this same teaching.
LET'S READ JEREMIAH 17:5
“This is what Jehovah says: ‘Cursed is the man who trusts in mere humans, who relies on human strength, and whose heart departs from Jehovah.’”
Let us consider the expression “relies on human strength.” Human strength has limits. A person can be strong today and weak tomorrow. They can make mistakes, fail, or disappear. When we make human beings our primary source of security, our hearts begin to drift away from Jehovah.
Perhaps none of us would seek a military alliance with another nation today, as Judah did. But we could fall into a similar error if we think that the ultimate solution to our problems will come from politics, economics, influential people, or even our own abilities.
Jehovah wants us to use good judgment, but never to replace our trust in him with absolute trust in men.
They will have a difficult life (Jer 17:6; it “Juniper” no. 2).
Now, what happens when someone decides to rely primarily on human beings? The Bible answers that question.
LET'S READ JEREMIAH 17:6
“He will be like a solitary tree in the desert. When good comes, he will not see it, but will live in barren desert places, in a salty region where no one can live.”
Jehovah compares that person to a solitary bush in the desert. The book Insight on the Scriptures explains that he is probably referring to a type of juniper that grows near the Dead Sea, where the land is extremely arid and salty.
It's a shrub that barely manages to survive. It doesn't create a beautiful landscape, it doesn't offer shade, and it doesn't bear fruit; it simply endures. What a striking illustration!
This is how it ends for those who place all their hope in this system. When economic crises hit, when healthcare fails, when institutions disappoint, or when people break their promises, that trust crumbles. And the Bible says that such a person “will not see good come.” Why? Because their hope rested on something unstable.
We see examples of this every day. People who placed their complete trust in a job, an investment, or a leader end up deeply disappointed when those things disappear. Jehovah does not want us to suffer such disappointment. That is why he warns us so lovingly.
Those who trust in Jehovah will flourish (Jer 17:7, 8; w09 3/1 17 par. 2).
Now comes the beautiful contrast.
LET'S READ JEREMIAH 17:7, 8
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. 8 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; it is always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
Whereas the first was a withered shrub, now we find a leafy tree planted beside a stream. Why does it stay green even when the heat arrives? Because its roots are where it truly matters.
The Watchtower of March 1, 2009, explained that this tree does not survive by chance. It actively extends its roots toward the water source.
The same applies to us. It is not enough to say that we trust in Jehovah; we need to strengthen that trust. How? By constant prayer, personal Bible study, and regular attendance and participation in meetings.
Each of these activities deepens our spiritual roots and keeps us firmly attached to Jehovah. Then, when trials come, our faith does not wither. Sickness, financial hardship, opposition, or even persecution may occur. But we remain steadfast and continue to bear fruit.
Illustration
The image in our Activity Guide provides a beautiful illustration.
On one side appears a withered tree in arid land. It represents those who place all their trust in this system of things.
On the other side we see a green and vibrant tree. It represents those who have put down deep roots in Jehovah.
The difference between the two trees is not the climate. They both withstand the same heat. The difference lies in where their roots are located.
The same is true for us. Trials come to everyone. But those who trust in Jehovah will always have the strength to remain steadfast.
Conclusion
Let's return to the question we started with. Are we trusting the right person?
The world will continue to tell us to put our hope in men, in the economy, or in our own strength. But Jehovah reminds us that all of that is as fragile as a bush in the desert.
On the other hand, whoever places their complete trust in Him will be like a tree planted by abundant water. Therefore, when we feel worried about the future, about sustenance, or about any difficulty, let us sincerely ask ourselves: “In whom am I truly relying?”
Let us not seek refuge in the shadow of this fleeting world. Let us extend our spiritual roots each day through prayer, Bible study, and Christian gatherings.
If we do this, we can be absolutely certain that Jehovah will never fail us. And, under his care, no matter the circumstances, we will remain strong, spiritually healthy, and fruitful for his glory.
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