Scripture Reading (Jerusalem Bible):

Jeremiah 17:7-8
“Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit.”

Reflection:

Trust in the Lord is the foundation of a life rooted in grace. The prophet Jeremiah paints a beautiful image of this trust: “like a tree planted by water,” drawing sustenance from the stream. Even in times of drought, when life feels barren or uncertain, the tree remains alive and fruitful. In the same way, when we place our trust in God, His grace sustains us, even through trials.

Yet trusting in God can be difficult. We often rely on our own strength, trying to control situations or solve problems on our own. Self-reliance, while seemingly virtuous, can be a subtle yet severe temptation to pride. When we trust only in ourselves, we risk shutting God out, believing that our abilities alone will carry us through. This is the danger of self-reliance—it leads us away from the humility of depending on God and places the weight of life’s burdens squarely on our own shoulders.

St. Bernard of Clairvaux warns of this temptation:

“The man who trusts in himself is lost. He who trusts in the Lord will never be confounded.” (Sermon on the Song of Songs, 61.3)

Trust in God is not passive—it requires an active surrender, choosing again and again to place our lives in His hands. The Desert Fathers understood this well. Abba Poemen said:

“Do not worry about tomorrow, for it belongs to God. Leave it in His hands.” (Apophthegmata Patrum, Alphabetical Collection, Poemen 26)

St. Francis de Sales, known for his gentle spirituality, echoed this trust in his Introduction to the Devout Life:

“Do not fear what may happen tomorrow. The same loving Father who cares for you today will care for you tomorrow and every day.”

Lent invites us to recognize the places where we are still clinging to control. This is why taking time in silence and deep listening to the Lord in prayer is vital—it is an everyday discerning of His guidance, a continual surrender to His wisdom and direction. Are we trusting in God’s providence or in our own plans? Do we allow Him to lead us, or do we insist on charting our own course? To grow in trust means to surrender—not just in our words but in the very way we live.

As we reflect today, let us ask ourselves: Where is God calling me to let go? What areas of my life am I holding onto too tightly? How can I rest in the knowledge that He is always faithful?

Reflection Questions:

1. What areas of your life feel uncertain or barren, and how can you entrust them to God?
2. How can you remind yourself of God’s faithfulness when doubts arise?
3. What practical steps can you take to deepen your trust in the Lord each day?
4. Where might self-reliance be keeping you from experiencing the freedom of true dependence on God?

Closing Prayer:

Lord, You are the source of life and hope. Teach us to trust in You, even when the path ahead feels uncertain. Help us to surrender our fears and to place our lives in Your loving hands. May we draw strength from Your promises, like a tree planted by the water, and bear fruit in every season.

Amen.