Day 179
2 Kings 13:1-14:29; Acts 18:23-19:12; Psalm 146:1-10; Proverbs 18: 2-3
Do Not Put Your Trust In Princes
Psalm 146 has really struck a chord for me. How easy it is for us to put too much trust in other people. We do it through love and admiration most of the time and maybe through intimidation on occasion.
The psalmist warns us that mortal man is not a substitute for the Savior. Verses 3 and 4 really spell it out for us, “Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing.”
I’m sure we have all, at one time or another, put our trust in another mortal — parent, sibling, national figure, or just another well-meaning person. Now, trust in God. Man cannot offer salvation or eternal life.
I recall a time in my life while I was serving on a vestry (prior to my ordination). Our rector announced he was taking another call and would be leaving our parish. Years before, I had gone through a very depressing time in my life, and this priest helped pull me out of my depression and became a source of spiritual strength for me. When he announced his leaving, I was devastated. Where would I find my spiritual strength now that he was going to leave? I ultimately realized I was looking in the wrong direction for spiritual strength when a voice in my head said to me, “Put your trust in me, not in mortal man.”
The Rev. Ed Bartle