How can we ensure our trust remains in God, not worldly powers, today? A royal misstep: Ahaz looks to Assyria 2 Kings 16:7: “So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria, saying, ‘I am your servant and your son. Come up and save me from the hand of the king of Aram and of the king of Israel, who are rising up against me.’” • Ahaz feared invasion and reached for the biggest military power he could see. • In doing so, he called himself Assyria’s “servant,” surrendering the throne God had given David’s line (2 Samuel 7:13–16). • The deal cost Judah treasure (2 Kings 16:8) and spiritual integrity (16:10–18). Why worldly alliances never satisfy • Limited strength: “Do not trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save” (Psalm 146:3). • Hidden cost: The help we hire soon owns us (2 Kings 16:18). • Inevitable disappointment: “This is what the LORD says: ‘Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength’” (Jeremiah 17:5). God’s better invitation • Exclusive trust: “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help… but do not look to the Holy One of Israel” (Isaiah 31:1). • Rock-solid refuge: “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him” (Jeremiah 17:7–8). • Proven faithfulness: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Guardrails that keep trust anchored in God • Daily Scripture intake – Word before world: start each day letting God define reality (Psalm 119:105). • Active dependence in prayer – “Cast all your anxiety on Him” (1 Peter 5:7). Name the fear before it drives you to lesser saviors. • Worship that re-centers – Singing truth counters the pull of headlines and hype (Psalm 59:16–17). • Biblical community – Fellow believers remind us where our help truly comes from (Hebrews 10:24–25). • Stewardship without idolatry – Use resources responsibly, yet refuse to rest your heart on them (Proverbs 30:8–9). • Obedient risk-taking – Step where God leads, trusting Him to supply (Philippians 4:19). Experience deepens confidence. Spot-checks for the heart • Where do my thoughts run first in crisis—God or a human fix? • Do I compromise convictions to keep worldly doors open? • Am I quicker to share political headlines than gospel hope? The ultimate safeguard: the cross At Calvary the Father poured out judgment on His own Son so that sinners might be rescued. If God went that far for us, we can trust Him with every lesser need (Romans 8:32). Tiglath-pileser demanded tribute; Christ gives grace. Anchoring our hearts here frees us to live boldly, resting in the only King who never fails. |
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