Turn to God

It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.

Psalm 118:9 (NIV)

We all have moments when we need someone to lean on—someone we trust and are certain will never fail us, no matter the magnitude of our difficulties. This person will always be there to support us, stand by our side, and come to our aid. Some of us—despite possessing a strong faith—tend, in the midst of our trials, to turn first to this human figure rather than to God, convinced that they are destined to save us. What we often fail to realize, however, is that no matter how good a person's intentions may be, they remain—at heart—simply human. They can fail us at any moment.

A father may turn his back on us if our lifestyle or attitude brings him shame. A brother or sister may choose to ignore us if they grow weary of our pleas; God, on the other hand, will never abandon us. It is this truth that the author of this verse eventually came to understand. Through his own experiences, he realized that even the great ones of this world—kings and princes, with all their power—cannot always come to our aid precisely when we need it most. Perhaps you currently have a relationship with someone you trust and can count on. That person may be there for you today, but there is no guarantee that they will always be available.

How many times have you been disappointed by someone in whom you had placed all your hopes? It is almost certain that you felt anger, for you never expected such a disappointment from them. Sometimes, it is not malicious intent that leads a person to disappoint us; it is simply that they, too, are going through their own trials. The only person you can truly count on—the only one with whom you will always find refuge—is God. He knows your needs even before you express them to Him. Seek refuge in Him, rather than placing your faith in a person occupying a high position; for that person, too, has their own burdens to bear.

May the grace and peace of God be with you.