For those from other nations who are reading this, the United States prints and engraves on their paper and coin currency the phrase, "IN GOD WE TRUST". Our nation was founded upon Godly principles. Unfortunately, we as a nation have turned away from this trust in God, and these principles. Even the Church has been caught up in the divisions of men, and their political arguments. We foolishly debate whether America was ever great, whether America used to be great, is great, or needs to be great again, and we rely on men to get us there, placing our trust in their political promises to do so.
The Word of God gives us specific wisdom and truth regarding these things. The verses found in the middle point of the Bible, Ps. 118:8-9 is a perfect starting point:
"It is better (beautiful, best, joyful, precious, pleasing, prosperous delightful, well-favored) to put trust (trust, to make a refuge, have hope in, to confide in, to flee for protection) in the LORD (YHWH-the eternally existing One) than to put confidence (trust, security, to feel safe) in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes (even generous, willing nobles)."
"Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help." Ps. 146:3
We can understand why our trust should be in the LORD, but why shouldn't we also be able to rely upon men, even noble men? This explains:
"Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies." Ps. 40:4
Men sin. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. There is none righteous, no, not one. While men can be cleansed of their sin, if they will confess them, man is not a reliable place in which to deposit our trust. The Eternal One, the Holy One, the Perfect One, is:
"Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity. Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them." Ps. 62:8-10
People, even in the Church, trust in riches, or men who possess riches. They are trusting in a vapor that easily disappears. Also, to trust in a man because he holds a high position in society, or a low position, is built upon a lie. Positions are temporary, and are not necessarily attained to begin with based upon everlasting spiritual qualities. Paul admonished Timothy:
"Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy." 1 Tim. 6:17
Often nations, including our own, trust in their military might for safety and defense, or they rely upon their alliances with others of military might. The Word of God warns against this false assurance:
"Woe ("alas"-expression of grief and sorrow) to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my Spirit, that they may add sin to sin: That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt. Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh be your shame, and the trust in the shadow of Egypt your confusion...Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses and trust in chariots, because there are many; and in horsemen because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD." Isa. 30:1-3, 31:1
There are those who trust in religious talismans or rituals, and think they are being spiritually covered and defended in these things, but their trust must be in the LORD, Himself, in His Person:
"Trust ye not in lying words, saying, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, are these." Jer. 7:4
"But without faith, it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." Heb. 11:6
Our faith, trust, reliance is to be in Him, and we must seek Him diligently.
How do we exercise that trust in God, rather than in all of these other things? That trust in the Person of the LORD is found in the place of praise:
"Praise ye the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul. While I live will I praise the LORD: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being." Ps. 146:1-2
Judah discovered this place of trust in God when they were faced with the invasion of two nations. The king, Jehoshaphat fell and worshipped before the LORD. He then appointed singers unto the LORD to go out before his army and sing and praise the beauty of holiness: "Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth forever." The LORD set ambushments for the enemy, and they were smitten (2 Chron. 20:18-22).
The LORD inhabits the praises of His people (Ps. 22:3-5). Praise Him, trust in Him, diligently seek Him, and He will be found by you. He will reward you. He will answer your trust in Him.
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Prayer of Salvation for all who desire to receive Jesus as their Savior:Lord Jesus, I desire to know You, and to know Your salvation. I believe that You died for me, and that You were resurrected for me. Forgive me of my sins. Come into my heart, change me, fill me with Your righteousness. Baptize me in Your Holy Spirit, so that I can learn the truth of Your Word and ways, and be strengthened in my walk all the days of my life. You are the hope of my life, and You are my eternal life. I place my trust in You, Lord, for myself, and my whole household. Use me to do the will of the heavenly Father, Who sent You, in Whose name You came. In Your name, and in thanks and praise I pray, Amen.
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