What practical steps can we take to ensure our trust is in God alone? The Broken Staff of Egypt “When they grasped you with the hand, you splintered and tore open their shoulders. When they leaned on you, you broke and their backs were wrenched.” (Ezekiel 29:7) Egypt promised Judah military aid but proved a fragile reed. Leaning on anything other than the Lord always ends like that—splinters, pain, disillusionment. From this vivid picture flow clear, everyday steps that keep trust centered in God alone. Recognize Counterfeit Supports • Human power: promotions, political influence, charismatic leaders (Psalm 118:8-9) • Material security: bank accounts, insurance policies, retirement plans (1 Timothy 6:17) • Self-reliance: intellect, talent, health, planning (James 4:13-15) • Religious routine without relationship: ceremonies that mask an independent heart (Isaiah 29:13) Naming these props in plain sight helps the heart refuse them. Shift Your Full Weight to the Lord • Daily Scripture intake – Read, meditate, and obey: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) • Continual prayer conversation – “Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) • Prompt obedience – “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15) • Regular, generous giving – “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21) • Public testimony – “Let the redeemed of the LORD say so.” (Psalm 107:2) Measure Trust by Response to Pressure • Crisis comes; lean immediately on promises, not people (Jeremiah 17:7-8) • Refuse shortcuts offered by Egypt-type alliances (Isaiah 31:1) • Welcome godly counsel that directs you back to Scripture (Proverbs 11:14) Build God-Dependent Rhythms • Sabbath rest reminds the soul the world keeps spinning without personal striving (Exodus 20:8-11) • Fasting loosens the grip of secondary comforts (Matthew 6:16-18) • Scripture memorization lets truth surface unbidden when props crumble (Deuteronomy 6:6-9) • Praise in every circumstance trains the heart to see His sufficiency (Habakkuk 3:17-19) Guard the Gates of Thought • Reject fear-based media loops and replace with promise-based pondering (Philippians 4:8) • Speak truth aloud: “Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” (Psalm 20:7) Anchor in the Finished Work of Christ • The cross proves God’s faithfulness, the resurrection proves His power (Romans 8:32) • “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and steadfast.” (Hebrews 6:19) • Confidence grows when identity rests not in shifting circumstances but in the unchanging Savior (Hebrews 13:8) Live Today Like a Tree by the Water • Cultivate roots—hidden, nourished, persistent • Expect fruit—visible, timely, God-glorifying “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him.” (Jeremiah 17:7) |
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