How can we avoid becoming like the man in Psalm 52:7? The Warning in Psalm 52:7 “Look at the man who did not make God his refuge, but trusted in the abundance of his wealth and strengthened himself by destruction.” (Psalm 52:7) Recognizing the Traits to Avoid • Refusal to take shelter in God • Dependence on material resources for security • Pursuit of power at the expense of others Guarding Our Hearts Against Each Trap • Refusal to take shelter in God → Practice immediate prayer when anxious (Philippians 4:6-7). • Dependence on wealth → Give generously and anonymously (Matthew 6:3-4). • Power gained by harming others → Honor others above self (Romans 12:10). Cultivating the Opposite Virtues 1. Reliance on the LORD – Psalm 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength.” 2. Contentment with God’s provision – 1 Timothy 6:6-8: godliness with contentment brings great gain. 3. Integrity in relationships – Ephesians 4:25-32: speak truth, build up, show kindness. Daily Practices That Keep Us Rooted in God • Morning Scripture reading before checking news or finances (Psalm 90:14). • Weekly Sabbath rest to declare dependence on God’s work, not ours (Exodus 20:8-11). • Regular confession of misplaced trust (1 John 1:9). • Serving someone who cannot repay you each week (Luke 14:12-14). • Tracking answered prayers instead of bank balances to measure God’s faithfulness (Psalm 77:11-12). Scriptures to Memorize and Meditate On Conclusion: A Life That Points to Real Refuge Choosing God as refuge, stewarding wealth as a tool, and building others up protect us from the fate of the man in Psalm 52:7 and display the security found only in Him. |
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