In what ways can we ensure our reliance is on God, not people? The Cry of Disappointment “I called to my lovers, but they deceived me…” (Lamentations 1:19) Recognizing the Trap of Human Dependence • Friends, leaders, even spiritual figures can fail, just as Judah’s priests and elders did. • Hurt is deeper when trust was spiritual in nature; misplaced faith drains hope. • Seeing people’s limits is not cynicism; it clears space in the heart for God alone. Shifting Reliance from People to God • Admit where we lean on others for security—finances, advice, affirmation, rescue. • Replace “they will fix this” with “God is my portion” (cf. Lamentations 3:24). • Evaluate counsel by Scripture; if it contradicts, kindly decline it. • Celebrate answered prayer before sharing credit; thanksgiving redirects glory upward. • Keep short accounts of disappointments—release resentment, re-tie trust to Christ. Practical Steps for Today 1. Begin each decision in prayer; wait before texting a friend for answers. 2. Memorize promises; store them for crisis moments (e.g., Psalm 118:8). 3. Schedule regular solitude—let silence train the soul to hear God first. 4. Fast from social media advice threads; fill the gap with Word meditation. 5. Give generously even when funds feel thin; every gift declares, “God sustains me.” Encouraging Cross References • “It is better to take refuge in the LORD…” (Psalm 118:8) • Hebrews 13:5—He will never leave nor forsake; people can. • Isaiah 2:22—Stop regarding man, whose breath is in his nostrils. • Proverbs 29:25—Fear of man is a snare, but trust in the Lord is safe. Living the Lesson Relying on God grows through deliberate shifts: praying first, filtering counsel, practicing gratitude, embedding Scripture, and embracing solitude. Each choice loosens human dependencies and tightens the soul’s grip on the only One who never deceives. |
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