"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 - In God Alone

Today, you will have to read ahead a little. Psalm 33:11-17 lays the foundation for an 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 lead only to disappointment.

A king is not saved by a large army;
a warrior will not be rescued by great strength.
The horse is a false hope for safety;

it provides no escape by its great power. 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.

But look, the Lord keeps his eye on those who fear him—

those who depend on his faithful love

to rescue them from death

and to keep them alive in famine.

We wait for the Lord;

he is our help and shield.

For our hearts rejoice in him

because we trust in his holy name.

May your faithful love rest on us, Lord,

for we put our 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

Which of the readings spoke most powerfully to you today?
Is the Spirit of God moving you to repent of something you are doing, to begin something new, or to change something about your life as a result of your readings? What?

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.