Sunday, June 22 Blessed is the man who puts his trust in Jehovah.​—Jer. 17:7.

[Áine]

Sunday, June 22

Blessed is the man who puts his trust in Jehovah.—Jer. 17:7.

 

It is a joy to get baptized and become part of Jehovah’s family. Those who are in that privileged position would agree with the psalmist David, who said: “Happy is the one whom you [Jehovah] choose and bring near to reside in your courtyards.” (Ps. 65:4) Jehovah does not bring just anyone into his courtyards. He chooses those who prove that they want to have a close relationship with him. (Jas. 4:8) When you dedicate yourself to Jehovah and get baptized, you can be sure that thereafter he will “pour out on you a blessing until there is nothing lacking.” (Mal. 3:10; Jer. 17:8) Baptism is just the beginning. You will want to do your best to live up to your dedication vow, even in the face of temptations or tests of faith. (Eccl. 5:4, 5) As a disciple of Jesus, you will follow Jesus’ example and commands as closely as possible.—Matt. 28:19, 20; 1 Pet. 2:21. w24.03 8 ¶1-3

[dljbsp]

“Blessed Is the Man Who Puts His Trust in Jehovah”

 

When a person emerges from the water, newly baptized, there is often a hush. Not because the crowd is silent — but because the moment is sacred. A life has just changed. A vow has just been made. And Jehovah has just drawn someone closer.

 

It’s easy to imagine the smile of the psalmist David as he wrote, “Happy is the one whom you choose and bring near to reside in your courtyards.” (Psalm 65:4) That joy is not imagined — it is real — and it is shared by Jehovah himself, who lovingly draws close to those who trust in him. But it is Jeremiah’s words that echo through the years with the quiet strength of a promise: “Blessed is the man who puts his trust in Jehovah.” — Jeremiah 17:7.

 

That trust begins with a choice — an earnest, wholehearted decision to dedicate one’s life to the true God. Baptism, then, is not a destination. It is a beginning. And as many have discovered, it marks the start of an extraordinary journey filled with blessings that reach far beyond what was expected.

 

Jehovah doesn’t simply welcome someone into his family and leave them to find their way alone. Instead, he pours out his blessing “until there is nothing lacking.” (Malachi 3:10) That blessing may take many forms — a deepened peace, a clearer purpose, an unexpected strength. For some, it is the sweetness of spiritual family. For others, it is the ability to stand firm when tested — or to be comforted when crushed by grief. Either way, it is unmistakably his care.

 

So what about us? Whether we were baptized years ago or are drawing near to that decision now, this verse reminds us that blessings come — not just from knowledge — but from trust. “Blessed is the man who puts his trust in Jehovah.” Not in self. Not in routines. Not even in outcomes. But in Jehovah. And that trust is shown not in dramatic moments — but in the day-to-day choices to obey him — to imitate Jesus — and to follow through on the vow we once made. (Ecclesiastes 5:4, 5)

 

Yes, the world will test our trust. Temptations may whisper. Trials may shout. And there may be seasons when we feel our leaves begin to wither. But the verse following our theme says this of the man who trusts in Jehovah: “He will become like a tree planted by the water… it will not be anxious in the heat, and it will not stop bearing fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:8)

 

Even in drought, he will endure. Because his roots are not shallow.

 

Because his trust is not in man.

 

Because his confidence is not in himself.

 

Because he knows Jehovah.

 

So if you’ve been feeling weak lately — or unsure — take heart. Jehovah sees you. He remembers your dedication. He honors your effort. And he has not stopped blessing you. Draw close to him again. Trust him with the next step. And just like the moment of your baptism, you may be surprised by how deeply he draws you into his courtyards once more.

 

Jehovah still blesses the one who trusts him.

Edited June 22 by dljbsp