It’s Not Rocket Science
by John Michalak
Jeremiah 17:7-8
Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose confidence is in the LORD. For he will be as a tree planted by the waters, who spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes, but its leaf will be green, and will not be concerned in the year of drought. It won’t cease from yielding fruit.
When something is simple to understand or simple to do, people will often say, “Come on! It’s not rocket science!”
They mean, of course, that the knowledge or practice isn’t nearly as complex as the ingenuity it took to put a rocket into space. In other words, people are making something far more complicated than it has to be.
Rockets didn’t exist in Jeremiah’s day, but he would have liked this phrase. If you sow seed in the dry soil, if you don’t water it, protect it, provide lots of light, it will wither and die. But if it’s planted in moist, nurturing soil, it will grow strong and will be able to withstand drought.
If you expect to grow strong relying on the guidance and approval of man, if you trust in the strength of your flesh, departing from the Lord, your spirit will wither and die. But if you fear God and trust in Him, you will grow strong and able to endure life’s biggest challenges.
It’s not rocket science.
Reflection
What does it mean to be like “a tree planted by the waters?” In what ways do I “spread out my roots by the river?” How are my “leaves” green? In what ways does my faith in the Lord help me “yield fruit?”
Prayer
Dear Jesus, Please fill me with Your Spirit. I trust You in everything. Thank You for the simplicity of Your love and protection. Please help me to always stay grounded in You. In Your dear name I pray, Amen.
