Reading: Psalm 118
My Verse: "It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in man" (Psalm 118:8).
At my last Bible study we were to reflect on what it is that gives us the greatest sense of security. There were all these choices: money in the bank, a job, parents, friends, one's own abilities and skills, promises of God, awareness of God's presence, assurance of God's guidance, a good investment, children, social acceptance, spouse - i.e. family, etc. When I looked over this list, at first I thought well they all do. But then I started to really examine each item and began to realize that anything that was of "man" was really not reliable when you come right down to it. Truly only, You, LORD God can give us that steadfast sense of security - "for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever!" So, yes, in the final analysis, it is better to trust in You than in man!
The next verse says to especially not put my "confidence in princes." I thought this interesting, as You, LORD God place those "princes" in power. Yet, so often they fall away from following Your precepts. So while I am to obey and pray for my leaders, all those in authority over me - I cannot trust them to be steadfast. Only You, LORD God are true and steadfast. "His steadfast love endures forever" (Psalm 18:1,2,3).
I am reminded of Blaise Pascal's admonition to mankind. He speaks of the uncertainty of life itself and how all the activities that we engage in are so very uncertain. Yet, so many refuse to act on the most important thing of all - the destiny of our souls.
"If we must not act save on a certainty, we ought not to act on religion, for it is not certain. but how many things we do on an uncertainty, sea voyages, battles! I say then we must do nothing at all, for nothing is certain, and that there is more certainty in religion than there is as to whether we may see tomorrow; . . .
According to the doctrine of chance, you ought to put yourself to the trouble of searching for the truth; for if you die without worshipping the True Cause, you are lost. - - "But," say you, "if He had wished me to worship Him, He would have left me signs of His will." - - He has done so; but you neglect them. Seek them, therefore; it is well worth it." (Pascal's Pensees)
Oh, LORD God, thank You for enlightening my heart that I am able to entrust myself in Your care! "The LORD is God, Who has shown and given us light [He has illuminated us with grace, freedom, and joy]." (Psalm 118:27 Amplified). Thank You for relentlessly pursuing me!
"You are my God, and I will confess, praise, and give thanks to You; You are my God, I will extol You. O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His mercy and loving kindness endure forever"(Psalm 11828,30)!
Thank You for that deep, steadfast sense of security that comes only from You.
Ditat Deus - God Enriches!
My Verse: "It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in man" (Psalm 118:8).
At my last Bible study we were to reflect on what it is that gives us the greatest sense of security. There were all these choices: money in the bank, a job, parents, friends, one's own abilities and skills, promises of God, awareness of God's presence, assurance of God's guidance, a good investment, children, social acceptance, spouse - i.e. family, etc. When I looked over this list, at first I thought well they all do. But then I started to really examine each item and began to realize that anything that was of "man" was really not reliable when you come right down to it. Truly only, You, LORD God can give us that steadfast sense of security - "for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever!" So, yes, in the final analysis, it is better to trust in You than in man!
The next verse says to especially not put my "confidence in princes." I thought this interesting, as You, LORD God place those "princes" in power. Yet, so often they fall away from following Your precepts. So while I am to obey and pray for my leaders, all those in authority over me - I cannot trust them to be steadfast. Only You, LORD God are true and steadfast. "His steadfast love endures forever" (Psalm 18:1,2,3).
I am reminded of Blaise Pascal's admonition to mankind. He speaks of the uncertainty of life itself and how all the activities that we engage in are so very uncertain. Yet, so many refuse to act on the most important thing of all - the destiny of our souls.
"If we must not act save on a certainty, we ought not to act on religion, for it is not certain. but how many things we do on an uncertainty, sea voyages, battles! I say then we must do nothing at all, for nothing is certain, and that there is more certainty in religion than there is as to whether we may see tomorrow; . . .
According to the doctrine of chance, you ought to put yourself to the trouble of searching for the truth; for if you die without worshipping the True Cause, you are lost. - - "But," say you, "if He had wished me to worship Him, He would have left me signs of His will." - - He has done so; but you neglect them. Seek them, therefore; it is well worth it." (Pascal's Pensees)
Oh, LORD God, thank You for enlightening my heart that I am able to entrust myself in Your care! "The LORD is God, Who has shown and given us light [He has illuminated us with grace, freedom, and joy]." (Psalm 118:27 Amplified). Thank You for relentlessly pursuing me!
"You are my God, and I will confess, praise, and give thanks to You; You are my God, I will extol You. O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His mercy and loving kindness endure forever"(Psalm 11828,30)!
Thank You for that deep, steadfast sense of security that comes only from You.
Ditat Deus - God Enriches!
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