Scripture: “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.” – Psalm 118:8
Examination of Chapter: What a wonderful chapter that praises God for His mercy and care of His children. Despite being persecuted by the enemy, God always protects and delivers His own in His time and way. The psalmist rejoiced in God’s salvation and praised Him for His salvation, goodness, and mercy.
Application: Traveling with a cat certainly has its ups and downs. I love having her with me when we go camping, but I’m not sure she feels the same way. She doesn’t seem to mind roaming around our travel trailer when we’ve set up camp, but she is not always a “happy camper” when we’re driving, and she is riding in her carrier. I know she doesn’t understand that it’s for her own safety, but it is, and after several days, she seems to accept her fate when we’re in transit to a new location.
This reminds me of my relationship with God as I travel through life. Many times He keeps me safe in ways in which I am not appreciative, and I grumble about it. It could be as simple as getting a flat tire that detains me or more complex, like not getting a job I wanted.
The Bible reminds me in Isaiah 55:8 that my ways are not the same as God’s ways. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.” Of course, if someone were to ask me outright if I thought I was smarter than God, I answer with a resounding “No!”, but sometimes I must confess that I do think I know what’s best for me. Same as my cat. She thinks if she could roam free in the truck, all would be well. She is completely unaware of the dangers if she should get underfoot of the brake pedal or bolt out of the door when we stop for gas. I think if God answered my prayer in the way I wanted, my life would be amazingly wonderful! I am totally unaware of the dangers that could present themselves if God answered my prayers exactly as I want. Therefore, I must learn to trust the Lord more than I trust my own instincts.
However, trusting God in every situation takes a concerted effort. I know in my head that I should trust the Lord in every and all circumstances as it states in Proverbs 3:5, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” I often forget that my understanding is so limited and biased, plus it is often fueled by my sinful nature. Learning to trust God is an ongoing process in my life, but Psalm 37:5 reminds me, “Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” As I travel through life, I must continually be reminded by His Spirit to pray and seek His guidance for everything in my life. By doing this, I will cultivate a more trusting relationship with the One who will never lead me astray. In Psalm 32:8, God promises, “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” It is good to know that God will do that which is best for me always if I listen and trust His counsel.
Moments with God: My dearest heavenly Father, forgive me for trying to grab the reins from Your hands! My mind understands that You are all wisdom and all knowing, but my heart, which Jeremiah says is “deceitful and desperately wicked”, wants its own way. Thank You for protecting me from myself. Help me to surrender my will to Yours in all things, and grow a stronger trust in You. In Jesus’ precious name, I pray. Amen.