In what ways can we practically place our trust in God over man? Setting the Scene “Put not your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save.” (Psalm 146:3) The psalmist is plain: people—no matter how powerful, influential, or well–intentioned—have limits. God does not. The call is not merely to avoid misplaced confidence; it is to actively redirect that confidence toward the One who can truly help. Human Help Has Limits • Even the best leaders are “mortal men” (Psalm 146:3) • They “cannot save” in the ultimate sense—death, sin, eternity are beyond their reach • Their power is temporary: “When his spirit departs, he returns to the ground; on that very day his plans perish” (Psalm 146:4) Why God Alone Is Trustworthy • He is Creator: “Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob… the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 146:5-6) • His character is faithful: “He remains faithful forever” (Psalm 146:6) • His reign is eternal: “The LORD reigns forever” (Psalm 146:10) Other Voices Echo the Same Truth • “It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man… than to trust in princes.” (Psalm 118:8-9) • “Cursed is the man who trusts in man… Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD.” (Jeremiah 17:5, 7) • “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5) Everyday Practices That Shift Our Trust Upward 1. Daily Scripture Intake • Let God’s voice drown out human opinion. • Start or end the day with a set passage (e.g., a psalm, a Gospel chapter). 2. Prayer Before Planning • Lay decisions before Him (Philippians 4:6-7). • Ask, “Lord, what honors You?” before asking, “What do others think?” 3. Replace Worry with Worship • When anxiety rises, pause and praise—sing a hymn, recite a psalm. • John 14:1: “Do not let your hearts be troubled… believe in Me as well.” 4. Seek Counsel—but Confirm with the Word • Wise friends are gifts (Proverbs 15:22), yet Scripture remains the final filter. • If advice conflicts with God’s Word, it’s discarded. 5. Hold Resources Loosely • Finances, jobs, health—all can shift. • Matthew 6:33: “Seek first the kingdom… and all these things will be added.” 6. Celebrate God’s Track Record • Keep a journal of answered prayers and providence. • Review it when tempted to rely on human solutions. Checkpoints for the Heart • Where do I instinctively run first—Google, a friend, or God? • Would losing a particular human support system collapse my peace? • Am I obeying promptly, or hedging until circumstances look safer? Encouraging Examples • Hezekiah (2 Kings 19): surrounded by Assyria, he spread the threatening letter before the LORD, not foreign allies. God delivered. • Peter (Acts 12): while Peter slept in prison, the church prayed; an angel opened iron gates no man could. • Paul (2 Timothy 4:16-17): “At my first defense, no one stood with me… but the Lord stood by me and strengthened me.” Living It Out Choosing to trust God over man is a moment-by-moment habit. The more we rehearse His promises, invite His counsel, and remember His past faithfulness, the easier it becomes to echo the psalmist: “I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.” (Psalm 146:2) |
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