That is a question that does not escape the conscience of man both in the turbulence of the storm or in the calm of the eye. We have all lived to see prosperity and times of economic disaster. Many have worked hard and long, planned for future days and have accomplished that which they determined to achieve. Yet, it is ironic that in such a brief period of time, that which took a life time to accomplish can so quickly dwindle and become futility. Indeed, the things of this life are at best temporary. Surely there must be in life that which has lasting value, that which has permanence and stability, not subject to the changing circumstances of life. The prophet of Israel, Jeremiah, no doubt was contemplating the coming demise of his nation when he wrote --
… “thus says the Lord, being cursed is the person who puts his confidence in man and makes the flesh (sin nature) his strength, so that his heart turns away from the Lord; for he shall be like a tumble weed in the desert.”(Jeremiah 17:5- 6a)
The people of Israel had a semblance of prosperity but inwardly there was that nagging sense of impending crisis. The population was characterized by a spirit of restlessness, a frantic pursuit of pleasure, and a façade of religiosity. Yet there was no security, no satisfaction, no inner peace or stability, for that is only possible when a people place their trust in the One who is unchanging, the Lord Jesus Christ, and whose Word stands firm forever. Therefore Jeremiah continues his message with that which brings assurance, tranquility of soul and prosperity of soul --
… “blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and whose trust is the Lord.”(Jer. 17:7)
The word “blessed” can be translated “being made happy or happiness.” “Being made happy” is the passive voice in the Hebrew which tells us that this is not something that occurs instantly. Developing happiness in the soul is a process that requires continual learning and application of the Word of God in ones life. The apostle Paul gives us insight into his own personal life in regards to this process of spiritual growth. In writing to the Christians in Philippi, he says --
... “for I have learned to be satisfied with what I have. I know what it is to be in need and what it is to have more than enough. I have learned this secret, so that anywhere, at any time, I am content, whether I am full or hungry, whether I have too much or too little.”(Phil 4:10-12 TEV)
Another Hebrew word that we find in Jeremiah’s message is the word for trust, “batach.” This word finds its origin is the sporting arena in which a wrestler body slams his opponent on to the mat. What a graphic picture for the spiritual life comes from this word. Problems, adverse circumstances and even sudden prosperity can present formidable opposition in our lives. The Christian is to apply the “batach” wrestling move to the situation. He claims a promise, trusting that God is able and has made perfect provision for that situation since the Omniscient God knew about it in eternity past. Remembering that “I can do all things through Him who keeps pouring on the strength,” the believer uses his privilege as a child of God to throw the problem on the Lord. Thus along with the Apostle Peter, we learn --
… “cast all our cares upon Him, because He cares for us.”(I Peter 5:7)