Jer 17:9
The heart [is] deceitful above all [things], and desperately wicked: who can know it?
The only genuine cure for the wicked and deceitful heart that we all own due to sin is faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. That's it! End of story!
The "good" that we do on this earth is like "filthy rags" compared to God's holiness. Therefore, no one can boast about their works. The only thing worthwhile to boast about is salvation through Jesus. And in that - we cannot take any credit. It is THE gift of God for our salvation.
In the Jeremiah account we read:
Jer 17:5 ¶ Thus saith the LORD; Cursed [be] the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.
Jer 17:6 For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, [in] a salt land and not inhabited.
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Trusting in man (especially an evil man!) can lead to our heart's departure from the LORD. This was true in Jeremiah's day and is also true today.
The Bible has messages that are applicable to the time they were written, and also to the day each Christian reads each particular Scripture. Jeremiah 17:6 has a message for us today. Our nation is now suffering through many curses. Why? Because many have abandoned the Lord God.
However, those who hold to Him experience blessing; even in times of trouble:
Jer 17:7 Blessed [is] the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.
Jer 17:8 For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and [that] spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.
The current economic crisis storm may be hard to endure, but it is producing a great harvest of fruit - more people coming to Christ as they seek the genuine Messiah.
There is a song that has some awesome lyrics that brings this point home.
Link to Wholly Yours music video by The David Crowder Band