"In God Alone" March 8 Readings: Numbers 27-28, Mark 10:1–16, Psalm 33:11–17, Proverbs 8:8-9

Today's Readings -Numbers 27-28, Mark 10:1–16, Psalm 33:11–17, Proverbs 8:8-9

Devotional 

Today, you will have to read ahead a little. Psalm 33:11-17 lays the foundation for important point that is made plain in the rest of the song.

Israel, through the years, had a very bad habit of looking for help in the wrong places. When trouble came, they would go to Egypt (or another nation) with their hats in hand, opening the treasury of the Temple to purchase assistance. The God of Heaven had promised to be their God, to help them, protect them and provide for them, but he also demanded repentance, spiritual fidelity and obedience to his laws. Israel found it easier to empty the coffers instead of turning to God.

The Psalmist warned them that there was no real help to be found in human sources. They might provide momentary assistance, but in the long run depending on political machinations and military might would lead only to disappointment.

The king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength. The war horse is a false hope for salvation, and by its great might it cannot rescue. Psalm 33:16-17

The Bible is full of stories in which God enabled an outnumbered and overpowered army to prevail when they depended on him. God even reduced the size of Gideon's army so much that victory was impossible without the power of God. Time and again, Israel faced overwhelming odds, impossible situations, and came through victorious when God's power was unleashed.

And still, the next time trouble came, they would rely on large armies, warriors, and horses! It would be easy for us to sit in judgment on Israel and disdain them for their lack of faith if we did not so often do the same thing.

• We look to money to provide security instead of depending on God. 
• We seek man's applause instead of living for God's approval. 
• We trust human experts instead of what God's Word says. 
• Our hope is in this world, instead of eternity. 

There are so many ways in which we mimic the Israelites, trusting in humans and their abilities instead of God and his power. Why?  I don't know. God has always been faithful and human beings have so often disappointed.

In tomorrow's reading (Psalm 33:18-22), the Psalmist will remind us of the unfailing goodness of God and how reliable he when we put our faith in him.

Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him,

    on those who hope in his steadfast love,

that he may deliver their soul from death

    and keep them alive in famine.

Our soul waits for the Lord;

    he is our help and our shield.

For our heart is glad in him,

    because we trust in his holy name.

Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us,

    even as we hope in you.

His steadfast love will deliver those who wait on him and fear him. Taste and see that the Lord is good. Trust in him. Seek him. He will show himself strong, compassionate, and awesome.

Father, I trust in you. I may receive help from friends at times, but my hope is in you. You are steadfast and faithful. I love you and thank you for your power, your goodness and your grace. 

Think and Pray

Do you trust in God for your help, or are you self-reliant?
Do you trust in others more than you trust in God?
Do you trust in the power of people, money, or other things of this world?
He alone is your help, your shield - the one whose steadfast love sustains you.
Spend time today meditating on this truth.