The Source Study

I try to run at least three miles three days a week. I take the same route because I am a creature of habit. On this run there is a huge tree by a lake that is towering and reminds me of Jeremiah 17: 7- 8. One day I went for a run after listening to a meditation where that scripture was quoted and suddenly that tree became the natural representation of that scripture. To see it towering above the house next to it with branches spread wide. I know that tree doesn't fear the Texas heat or worry about the February freeze to come. I know in early March that tree doesn't doubt whether its leaves will return in spring. That tree is literally planted by its source. It is immovable, it is steadfast, it is strong. I want to be that tree. Confident in my existence because I am aware of my proximity to my source. Speaking of confidence, I once heard the difference between confidence and trust explained in such a way that it has stuck with me ever since. The best way I can interpret it is to just say that trust is believing in something when you have no evidence. While confidence, on the other hand, is having assurance based on experience. Early on in my Christian walk I trusted God. I believed that he would and could get me through something even though I had not yet opened my eyes to His working in my life. However, now I have seen him bring me through so many things so many times in so many unbelievable ways. I now have evidence. I have past experiences, tangible real-life results to back up that trust. So now I should be that tree, I should be confident in my source because he has sustained me time and time again. Because he has never failed me even if he didn't go about it the way I thought he would in the time frame I thought he should. I should not fear, doubt, or worry. I should be as confident as that tree planted by the lake because like it says in Hebrews 13: 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. And if he is the same that means I can expect the same results, maybe not the same execution but the same results. Which is him ultimately working all things out for my good. And if I can expect the same results I should be as confident as that tree that I see next to that lake.