"Peace Over Panic: Trusting God's Providence with Anxious Hearts and Focused Minds"

Jeremiah 17:5–8 ESV

5 Thus says the Lord: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord. 6 He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land. 7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. 8 He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”

Text: Jeremiah 17:5–8 (ESV)

Focus: Trust in God’s Providence; Overcoming Anxiety

Themes:Trust, God's Sovereignty, Peace, Anxiety, Spiritual Rootedness

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Introduction: The Tension Between Panic and Peace

- Story: I remember a time when I trusted a recipe that promised the perfect entree from a random blog. My wife Christine knows what site I’m talking about! Lets just say that there are many ways to not make a beer battered fish and chips and I think I found the worst recipe ever known to man, woman, or beast! This reminded me that when we lean too hard on unreliable sources, we're bound for disappointment. In Jeremiah 17:5, we’re reminded that trusting in man can lead to unexpected results, just like my culinary disaster! Let’s stick to God’s promises—they are always reliable!

Many of us have faced situations far more devastating than a failed recipe.

What about life-altering decisions that brought consequences we can hardly bear?

Think of the bad business deal you made on your own, leaving your family in financial ruin. Or that move you pursued relentlessly, ignoring the need for prayer, convinced it would bring happiness—only to be left with regret. We wanted what we wanted, and in our haste, we trusted our desires more than God’s guidance.

- Thesis: In moments of anxiety, we often choose panic over peace because we trust in human strength. Jeremiah 17:5–8 teaches us that trusting God brings peace, even in our most anxious moments.

- Focus: In our understanding, trust is rooted in God’s sovereign grace, not in our ability or effort. True peace comes from understanding that God holds all things.

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I. The Curse of Trusting in Man (Jeremiah 17:5–6)

1. The Consequence of Misplaced Trust

- Text: "Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord" (v. 5).

- Exile Context: Like Israel and Judah, trusting in human alliances and political power leads to spiritual and emotional exile. (Divided Kingdom)

- Relevance Today: We often seek solutions in our abilities, finances, or relationships, but these sources are fleeting and unreliable.

Instances like those faced by Jeremiah during the destruction of a nation remind us of the gravity of our choices. He witnessed the devastating judgment upon his people—ruin, death, and despair engulfed the land. It serves as a stark reminder that our actions have profound consequences, we risk facing our own forms of destruction.

- Illustration: Failed business deals, rushed life decisions—these show the results of misplaced trust.

2. Life in the "Wilderness" (v. 6)

- He shall dwell in the parched places...

- Application: Anxiety and fear arise when we trust in human strength. These desert places symbolize emotional and spiritual dryness.

- Theological Insight: Calvin's view on human nature highlights the futility of self-sufficiency—our hearts are restless until they rest in God (Augustine).

Can we gain anything by fearing and fuming? Do we not unfit ourselves for action, and unhinge our minds for wise decision? We are sinking by our struggles when we might float by faith.

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II. The Blessing of Trusting in God (Jeremiah 17:7–8)

1. Rooted in God's Providence

- Text: Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord (v. 7).

- The Tree by Water: A symbol of life and stability in God’s sovereign care. This tree flourishes even in places known to be ecospheres of drought because its roots reach the living waters of God's grace. God has chosen the location and he is the planter.

- Application: A life of faith given to us by God, grounded in God’s promises, produces resilience.

Wilderness, Desert, uninhabited wastelands…Christians can find themselves in similar challenging places and circumstances, but there is a profound difference between those with misplaced trust and those who place their trust in the Lord

- Illustration: Imagine a child swinging high on a playground swing. They giggle with delight, yet behind them is a parent holding tight to the swing. The child may feel free and fearless, but it is the unwavering grip of the parent that keeps them safe. God holds us fast, enabling us to soar even amidst uncertainty, just like that child trusts their parent. He is our security, reminding us of His strength and beauty as we swing through life's ups and downs.

2. Fearless in Drought (v. 8)

It does not fear when heat comes... its leaves remain green.

Application: Just as the tree spoken of in the text doesn’t fear drought, we too can remain and abide in Jesus in times of trial. Trust in God removes anxiety because we know He sustains us.

Doctrine: Our perseverance is not based on human effort but on God's sustaining grace. The person with misplaced trust relies on temporary solutions—This often leads to anxiety, disappointment, and disillusionment when those foundations inevitably crumble.

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In contrast, the one who trusts in the Lord recognizes that true security and peace come from God alone. This trust is rooted in faith, allowing them to face life's trials with hope and resilience through Jesus. They understand that their circumstances do not define their worth or ultimate destiny, as their lives are anchored in God's steadfast promises and character. This difference shapes not only their response to adversity but also your overall perspective on life, fostering a sense of peace and assurance that transcends the current situation.

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In Jesus, we find our true covering and provision. While our surroundings may not reflect our inner state, we must remember that we are travelers on a journey toward a greater land—one that transcends the struggles of this world. This is not our permanent home, this is not as good as it gets; we are headed to a place of glory. Though our feet may tread upon scorched earth, our hearts remain anchored in the promise of a brighter future. The ideologies of this world are worthless when we rest in the finished work of Jesus, who has secured our hope and eternal salvation.

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Make no mistake! This is not a defeatist or slave theology that simply accepts defeat on this side of heaven. Our faith is a precious gift given to us by God. It isn’t something we can conjure up or stir into existence through our own efforts. We can’t just wish it into being or follow a formula to suddenly have it. Instead, faith is bestowed upon us Ephesians 2:8 “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,” because of God's grace, reminding us that it is not about our striving but about trusting in His promises and provision. This is where we struggle!!! It’s not the striving as much as it is the trusting! We often will strive because we don’t trust.

Family please don’t hear what I am not saying. I am not saying try harder. I am saying rest and watch God work. Look back over your shoulder and you will see that he is faithful and that he has always been faithful.

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We are free to live as sent ones in our city and to our neighbors. Despite our inconsistent faith, we can still proclaim “Amen” because Christ is actively working His will within His church. No matter the challenges we face, we can rest assured that we cannot sink this ship. God’s purpose prevails, and He equips us to be His hands and feet, sharing His love and hope with those around us. Our journey may be imperfect, but His faithfulness is perfect and remains steadfast, empowering us to impact our communities for His glory.

A vivid portrayal of the one who has won the crucial battle against sin supplies the confidence that in the troubled times to come there remains a hope that is steadfast and sure.

Robert H. Mounce

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III. The Heart of the Matter: Why We Panic Instead of Trust

Sin Nature: Our natural inclination is to rely on our own abilities, leading to anxiety. Jeremiah 17:9 speaks of the deceitfulness of the human heart. My wife has said that where information is missing we will fill in the data. God's ways are not our ways and sometimes we don’t like that if we are going to be honest with ourselves. We want to know so that we can become master of our own destiny!

Gospel Truth: We panic because we doubt our sufficiency. But Christ’s work assures us that it is His righteousness, not our efforts, that provides peace.

Illustration of the Gospel:

Story of the boy who killed the duck, carrying guilt and shame. relying on himself to carry his own burden until he received forgiveness—just like us with God.

Once upon a time in the sweltering Mississippi sun, a young boy was out in the yard, doing what boys often do—throwing rocks. Nearby, his grandmother’s beloved duck waddled around, unaware of the danger. The boy wasn’t trying to hurt the duck; he just wanted to see how close he could get to it with each throw. But then, with one misjudged toss, the rock hit its mark. The duck fell, lifeless.

The boy’s heart sank, panic rushing over him. He quickly looked around to see if anyone had witnessed his accident. His little sister stood there, wide-eyed, having seen everything. His stomach churned as she slowly walked up to him, her eyes gleaming with mischief.

"Sissy, please don't tell!" he begged, knowing the trouble he was in.

She paused for a moment, her mind clearly working on something. Then, with a sly grin, she said, "I won’t tell… on one condition."

"I’ll do anything!" the boy promised, desperate to keep his secret hidden.

His sister smiled even wider, sat down on the ground with her doll in hand, and said, "Pull the wagon."

And so it began. Every day, under the hot Mississippi sun, the boy would pull his little sister all over the farm in her red wagon. His friends would come by and ask him to play ball or get ice cream, but every time, his sister would stop him with a gentle reminder: "Remember the duck?"

"Yes," he would sigh, resigned to his fate. And then, he'd pull the wagon.

Days turned into weeks, and the boy grew weary. His legs ached, and his back was sore. One afternoon, drenched in sweat and exhausted from the relentless task, he fell to his knees. "Sissy," he pleaded, "I’m tired. I can’t pull you anymore."

But his sister would not relent. Her voice was steady as she commanded, "Pull the wagon."

The boy knew he couldn’t keep this up any longer. Broken, he trudged into the house, straight to his mother. Tears streamed down his face as he collapsed into her arms. "Mama," he sobbed, "I killed the duck. It was me! I’m so sorry."

To his surprise, his mother’s voice was calm. "I know," she said softly. "I saw the whole thing from the kitchen window. I’ve been waiting for you to come to me."

The boy blinked in shock, his heart still pounding from the fear he had been carrying. "You knew?"

"Yes," she said, pulling him close. "I was wondering how long you were going to pull that wagon. I’ve been ready and waiting for you to confess what you’d done."

In that moment, the boy realized something profound. All this time, he had been carrying guilt and shame, toiling away under the weight of his secret, afraid of what might happen if the truth came out. But his mother had already seen everything and was ready to forgive him—he just had to ask.

And just like that, the burden he had been carrying lifted. He was free, forgiven, and finally at peace. It was a lesson that stayed with him for the rest of his life—just as we often carry our own guilt and shame, fearing what might happen if we come clean, when all along, God is ready and waiting for us to come to Him, offering forgiveness and grace.

The next day he awoke and it was as if he was born anew! He ran outside in his new found freedom ready to grab life by the horns—— and suddenly from behind he heard it……. Pull the wagon. Slowly he turned around and full of freedom and relief he said with a deep southern twang in his voice, I ain’t pulling no more wagons.

We are often held captive by guilt until we understand the fullness of God’s grace in Christ.

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IV. The Gospel Application: Trusting God's Providence in All Things

1. God's Sovereignty Over Our Anxieties

- Jeremiah’s Exile Context: Despite the chaos of Israel’s exile because of their collective sin, God’s plan was for their restoration. Likewise, our trials are under His sovereign care.

- Christ’s Work: Through Jesus, our ultimate security is sealed. In Christ, we are not defined by our failures but by His righteousness.

2. Living Boldly in God's Peace

- Text: The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7).

- Fearless Trust: As believers and just like the tree, we can flourish in trials, in the "heat" or "drought" because of our deep-rooted trust in God’s providence.

- Application: Lay down the burden of anxiety and embrace God’s peace, knowing that our circumstances do not define us—His grace does.

Sermon Big Idea:

Trusting in God’s providence frees us from anxiety and gives us the peace to face life’s trials with confidence, knowing we are deeply rooted in His grace and sustained by His sovereign care.

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Conclusion: Anchored in God’s Sovereign Grace

Here’s how you can adapt the closing exhortation to be 10 minutes long, maintaining the themes of trust, peace, and resilience in God while inspiring the congregation to act upon these truths:

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Closing Exhortation:

As we prepare to leave today, I want to remind you of something powerful and enduring—our call to trust in God fully, just as trees are planted by streams of water, drawing life from an endless source. Think about this image for a moment. A tree does not worry about the seasons or the droughts; its roots run deep, firmly planted near the stream that sustains it. In the same way, we are called to plant ourselves in the truth of who God is, trusting Him to be our ultimate source of peace and strength.

Life is not without its trials. Challenges will come, whether in the form of personal struggles, unexpected events, or the anxieties of the world around us. Yet, Scripture is clear: “Those who trust in the Lord will be like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever” (Psalm 125:1). We are reminded that our God given faith will keep us. As the world shifts and changes, our foundation remains firm, anchored in the love and faithfulness of our God.

But how do we live out this trust practically? It begins with the focus of our minds. In the midst of our busy lives, it is easy for fear, worry, and distractions worldly idealogy and living according to our flesh will cloud our thinking. But Scripture calls us to fix our minds on what is true, noble, right, and pure (Philippians 4:8). So, I encourage you, as you go about your week, to take intentional moments to redirect your thoughts to God’s goodness. When anxiety threatens to overwhelm you, pause and remind yourself of His perfect peace, the peace that surpasses all understanding, guarding your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).

We are also called to remain rooted in God's Word. Psalm 1 gives us the image of a person who meditates on the law of the Lord day and night, describing them as a tree planted by streams of water, yielding fruit in its season. This is who we are meant to be—a people who draw strength from God’s Word, whose lives bear fruit because we are connected to the source of life itself. Even when we go through seasons of drought, hardship, or uncertainty, we can trust that God is working in us and through us, sustaining us with His Spirit.

This trust we’re talking about isn’t just passive. Pray for the Spirit of God to keep us believing, to keep leaning on God, even when we don’t understand what’s happening around us. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” This means that even when life seems uncertain, even when our plans don’t work out, we can rest in the knowledge that God is directing our steps. He is working all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

As we face the week ahead, I want to challenge each of us to cultivate hearts with the truth of God. It’s easy to be moved by the storms of life, but when we stand firm in God’s promises, we are like those trees whose roots run deep. Let’s resolve to stand firm in our faith, not by our own strength but by the power of God at work in us. When we lean on Him fully, we find that He is more than enough.

And let’s not forget—trusting in God also means releasing our burdens to Him. But 1 Peter 5:7 tells us, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” God doesn’t ask us to carry these things alone. He invites us to lay them at His feet, knowing that He is capable, He is powerful, and He cares deeply for each one of us. Let this truth sink in: God’s power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Trust the One who holds everything together.

As we close, I urge you to take this message of trust and peace into every aspect of your life. In your work, in your home, in your relationships—choose to be a reflection of God’s love and grace. Let your life be a testimony to the peace that can only come from Him, a peace that is evident even in the most difficult of circumstances. You are called to be His hands and feet in this world, to serve others with the same compassion and love that He has shown you. Remember that your faith and trust in God are not just for your own benefit, but they are a light for those around you, shining in a world that so desperately needs hope.

As you leave this place, take heart in knowing that God goes before you, He is with you, and He will sustain you.

May we walk in peace, with minds focused on Him and hearts fully trusting in His promises.