“Put not your trust in Princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help” (Psalm 146: 3)
Owing to the dangers and uncertainties of life, so many people in their quest to survive on a fast lane have placed their trust in man. The ways of God are higher ways that is completely at variance with man’s ways. They are slow but surer ways to success. No wonder the song writer enjoins us to stand in His strength alone for the arm of flesh will fail us.
Man is in dire need of protection from the wiles and dangers of this life. This innate desire has led many into idolatry by carving and moulding images which they worship and obey. This trust in those helpless and lifeless images is idolatrous. In this age of technology, many put confidence in their knowledge and wealth (Jer. 9:23 – 24) rather than the source of these blessings or gifts (God). Knowledge and wealth can easily fade away.
Protection should therefore be sought from Him that is alive, powerful and in a helpful position. He who is to help others, must possess the ability and resources higher than the others. He must always be available and ever enduring. These qualities are not found in idols, they partially may exist in man but abound unlimitedly in the Lord. God is faithful to His promises and there is none like unto Him in power, might, wisdom, knowledge etc. He is dependable.
In Luke 12:15-21, Jesus gave a parable of the rich fool who after gathering abundant harvest that will carry him through many years told his soul to relax, eat, drink and be merry. That rich fool placed confidence in his wealth rather than in the source or giver of the wealth. Unfortunately, the Lord requested of his soul that belongs to Him. Psalm 49: 6-7 reads: They that trust in their wealth and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches none of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him. Trusting and boasting in riches is a fool’s confidence. (Eccl. 9:11). David’s seven-fold confidence was expressed in Psalm 112:6-8 where he affirmed trusting in the Lord.
In the Bible days the Israelites trusted in the Egyptian’s military might. God was not pleased and pronounced woe on them for their rebellious act. Isa. 31: 1-3. Some nations like USSR trusted in her military might and when stressful times came, the nation collapsed. Today men trust in their strength, nationality, parental background, educational status, achievements, may be the church denomination they belong. All these outside God will fail.
Men of reputable standard in the society who are ungodly and rich can promise much but cannot fulfill. They raise men’s hope but mock at their expectations. During the war between Israel and the Philistines, the Philistines boasted of their military strength. They sent forth Goliath, a giant and a great warrior, fully armed from head to toe. But young and unskilled David who trusted in the Lord defeated Goliath and set the whole armies of the Philistines on their heels. Pharaoh depended on his military might and pursued the Israelites but God who was their confidence parted the Red Sea for their escape and later drowned the Egyptians.
The plan of God is for His people not to be barren (Exodus 23:25 – 26). He remembered Sarah, Rebecca, Hannah, Elizabeth and others who were written off by men. We should trust God for growth, upkeep and future of the children He has blessed us with. We should trust Him for promotion, financial and business breakthroughs (Psalm 33:18-19; 75:6-7). For church growth, we should depend on God (Matt 16:18, Acts 2:47). Jesus is the builder and owner of the church, He will cause His church to grow. If you need peace trust in Him (Isa 26:3) Noah trusted in God and built an Ark that saved eight souls and every other animals of their kind that replenished the earth.
Abraham trusted in God, obeyed Him, left his country, kindred and his father’s house to an unknown country. He was abundantly blessed and made a father of nations (Gen 12:1 – 4, Heb 11:8-12). The three Hebrew boys trusted in the Lord and defied the King’s decree of worshipping the Golden image. God delivered them from the fiery burning furnace. We should trust in the Lord and do good, so shall we dwell in the land and verily we shall be fed (Psalm 37:3).
God bless
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