In the summer of 1974, the funky jazz sounds of Kool and the Gang burst on the scene with Summer Madness. The silky rhythm soothed listeners’ tensions from a hot or stressful day. Depending on your taste in music, you might enjoy the 70’s hit song. But by all accounts, this summer has a special kind of madness.

As we seek to battle a pandemic, we also battle division on whether or not we should wear a face mask. With constant adjustments to public health concerns, any day can turn into a test of our patience or a loss that breaks our heart.

Add the recent jolts to our social conscience and the subsequent protests. It all makes us pause and ponder whose life matters.

And yet, what matters most to you and me may be more personal than public. However, in Jeremiah 17, God gives us a remedy for summer (or any seasons’) madness.

“But blessed is the man who trusts me, God, the woman who sticks with God. They’re like trees replanted in Eden, putting down roots near the rivers— Never a worry through the hottest of summers, never dropping a leaf, Serene and calm through droughts, bearing fresh fruit every season.” (Jeremiah 17:7‭-‬8 MSG)‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

I welcome the rhythm of these verses in my soul.

Trust God
Stick with God.
Rest and replenish in God.

Even as I type, I realize trusting anyone, sticking with anything or resting anytime may be hard for some of us to do. But if I allow a hindrance to keep me from God’s love and faithfulness, soundness of mind becomes hard to find.

And yet, the term “summer madness” implies a tendency to lapse into foolishness during the season’s heat. But I don’t need heat to lapse into what’s unwise.

I’ve seen how a lack of patience with a process or having a self-centered focus can end with many regrets. You may have your own irritations or angst about what’s going on in or around you.

However, trusting God takes the reason for my angst and releases it to His sovereignty. (see Psalm 18:30)

Sticking with Him gives me a “no matter what” resolve to trust and obey Him, knowing He holds me close. (see Psalm 37:5 and 63:7-8)

Resting and replenishing in Him becomes the ultimate getaway when things aren’t going my way or I don’t know which way to go. Leaning in to a promise in Scripture, letting tears flow as I pray or listening to worship music ushers in calm and clarity for me. (see Psalm 62:5-8)

How are you handling life this summer?

The 70’s hit may have prompted moments of relaxation. But if we adhere to Jeremiah 17’s instructions, there is “Never a worry through the hottest of summers, never dropping a leaf, Serene and calm through droughts, bearing fresh fruit every season.”

I’ve had seasons where the storms of life ripped a few leaves from the limbs of my faith. At times, the drought caused by broken dreams has broken me. Yet, I long to be fruitful in every season.

Hence, I’m beating this summer’s madness by remembering God is always faithful. He’s always in control. His grace is always enough. I don’t know if that was the inspiration for Kool and the Gang’s hit. But it inspires me to remember this rhythm for life:

Trust God. Stick with Him. Rest and replenish in Him.

If that’s you too, join me and a few friends for my “Joy to the Soul Summer” weekly series. Through August 5th, we’ll share encouragement to help us grow in God’s grace and truth. Regardless of the heat or the uncertainty of any season, in Him we can always find hope for the heart and joy to the soul.