Passage
Thus says the LORD: Cursed is the man who trusts in human beings, who makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the LORD. He is like a barren bush in the wasteland that enjoys no change of season, But stands in lava beds in the wilderness, a land, salty and uninhabited.
Blessed are those who trust in the LORD; the LORD will be their trust. They are like a tree planted beside the waters that stretches out its roots to the stream: It does not fear heat when it comes, its leaves stay green; In the year of drought it shows no distress, but still produces fruit.
Jeremiah 17: 5-8
Today's Meditation
Blessed are those who trust in the Lord.
Like a child trusts his mother to provide and protect him, the same we should do with our Heavenly Father. In the passage of Jeremiah, we reflect on the barren bush that bears no fruit. How could our lives be when we turn away from God? This happens when we try to control everything in our lives and leave no room for God’s plans. When we rely on ourselves, we bear no fruit. We are like the dry bush; we will grow in despair because, definitely, we are not meant to walk in this life alone but with God. On the other hand, when we trust God, we bear fruit, and just like the tree by the stream, in times of drought and difficulty, we will not be distressed because God has our back. God loves you immensely. He has a plan and a purpose for you. Even when things are uncertain and difficult, he allows it for greater glory. All we need to do is trust.
Easier said than done!
Have you heard Job’s story? He had everything! family, possessions, and happiness. Satan wanted to challenge his righteousness. God allowed Satan to test Job’s trust; he lost everything. His family died, his possessions were destroyed, and he suffered painful suffering. You know what Job said when this happened? Blessed be the Lord! The Lord gives and the Lord takes away; blessed be the Lord. When I heard this for the first time, I was shocked. As someone who struggles with trust in God, this seems too difficult to even think about. Then, I reflected, What does Job have that I don’t have? Why is it that during difficult times I complain rather than glorify God through the sorrows? And it all came to one answer: trust! How difficult can it be? But the truth is that trusting God can be very challenging at times. It requires surrendering control of our lives and only relying on his divine providence. It requires putting aside our own life worries, fears, and expectations and resting in his holy hands.
Let us surrender this lent!
Going back to Job’s story, Job trusted God, and after all, God blessed him even more. His trust bore fruit! What is holding us back? Is it our own fears or wounds? Is it our selfishness or pride? Or our obsessive over-control and perfectionism? Whatever it is, let us take this opportunity to transform our hearts and surrender. Leave everything to him. Your worries, hopes, and fears. Leave your marriage in his hands, your spouse. Stop trying to control everything and everyone, and you will see how free life can be. Let us allow God’s will to be done in our lives and accept the good and the bad at all times as it comes from God’s goodness for our own sanctification.
Today's Questions
What has prevented you from surrendering to God?
What should you surrender to God in your marriage?
Today's Challenge
Practice not complaining for a day. Give thanks to God for everything—the good and the bad.
Don't Forget
Pray together the HOLY ROSARY every day (sorrowful mysteries only)
Pray OVER EACH other every day
Let's Pray
LITANY OF TRUST
From the belief that I have to earn Your love Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear that I am unlovable
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the false security that I have what it takes
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear that trusting You will leave me more destitute
Deliver me, Jesus.
From all suspicion of Your words and promises
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the rebellion against childlike dependency on You
Deliver me, Jesus.
From refusals and reluctances in accepting Your will
Deliver me, Jesus.
From anxiety about the future
Deliver me, Jesus.
From resentment or excessive preoccupation with the past
Deliver me, Jesus.
From restless self-seeking in the present moment
Deliver me, Jesus.
From disbelief in Your love and presence
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being asked to give more than I have
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the belief that my life has no meaning or worth
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of what love demands
Deliver me, Jesus.
From discouragement
Deliver me, Jesus.
That You are continually holding me, sustaining me, loving me Jesus,
Jesus, I trust in You.
That Your love goes deeper than my sins and failings and transforms me
Jesus, I trust in You.
That not knowing what tomorrow brings is an invitation to lean on You
Jesus, I trust in You.
That You are with me in my suffering
Jesus, I trust in You.
That my suffering, united to Your own, will bear fruit in this life and the next
Jesus, I trust in You.
That You will not leave me orphan, that You are present in Your Church
Jesus, I trust in You.
That Your plan is better than anything else
Jesus, I trust in You.
That You always hear me and in Your goodness always respond to me
Jesus, I trust in You.
That You give me the grace to accept forgiveness and to forgive others
Jesus, I trust in You.
That You give me all the strength I need for what is asked
Jesus, I trust in You.
That my life is a gift
Jesus, I trust in You.
That You will teach me to trust You
Jesus, I trust in You.
That You are my Lord and my God
Jesus, I trust in You.
That I am Your beloved one
Jesus, I trust in You.
Prayer written by the Sisters of Life
Dedicate to Jesus one HOLY HOUR of Adoration per week
