Trusting God Over Man: Faith's True Direction

Trust is a serious issue for the Lord. The Bible says in Proverbs 3:5, Trust in the Lord with all your heart. While it is easy to look to others for strength and help, we are reminded in Isaiah 2:22 not to put our trust in mere humans, who have but a breath in their nostrils. This is echoed in Psalm 146:3, Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal man, who cannot save.

The Bible also warns of the consequences of putting our trust in mankind, with Jeremiah 17:5 stating, Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind and makes flesh his strength, and whose heart turns away from the Lord.

So why place our hope and strength in the frailty of man when we can look to the Lord, who is eternal and sovereign?

Trust in God, not man

Trusting in God and not man is a central theme in the Bible. The Bible says that humans are fallible and frail, and that only God can provide true salvation.

Psalm 146:3 states: "Put not your trust in princes, in mortal man, who cannot save". This verse highlights the limitations of human leaders and the folly of putting our faith in them. Similarly, Psalm 118:8-9 says: "It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans...It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes". Here, the psalmist encourages us to put our trust in God, who is eternal and all-powerful, rather than in fallible human leaders.

Isaiah 2:22 also reminds us of the frailty of human life: "Stop trusting in mere humans, who have but a breath in their nostrils. Why hold them in esteem?". This verse serves as a reminder that human life is fleeting and fragile, and that our ultimate trust should be in God, who is eternal.

The Bible also warns of the consequences of putting our trust in mankind rather than in God. Jeremiah 17:5 states: "Thus says the Lord: 'Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind and makes flesh his strength, and whose heart turns away from the Lord'". This verse makes it clear that God expects our trust and that placing our trust in mankind will only lead to a turning away from God.

In conclusion, the Bible consistently encourages us to "Trust in the Lord with all our hearts" (Proverbs 3:5) rather than put our faith in humans. While it is natural to seek people's advice and approval, we must ultimately look to God for strength and guidance, as He is the only one who can provide true salvation.

The frailty of man

> Stop trusting in mere humans, who have but a breath in their nostrils. Why hold them in esteem?

Here, the phrase "a breath in their nostrils" is a reminder of our mortality. It is a reminder that even the strongest and wealthiest of men are only temporary. This idea is echoed in Psalm 146:3:

> Put not your trust in princes, in mortal man, who cannot save.

The Bible also advises in Proverbs 3:5 to "Trust in the Lord" with all our hearts. Similarly, in 2 Corinthians 5:10, we are reminded that our primary concern should be the eternal God, who we will one day stand before to give an account.

Psalm 118:8-9 further emphasises this point:

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

In Galatians 6:3, we are warned that those who think too highly of themselves are deceiving themselves. This is a reminder to remain humble and not to put our faith in those who do the same.

Ultimately, the Bible encourages us to recognise the frailty of man and to place our trust in God, who is eternal and sovereign.

God is eternal

The Bible makes it clear that we should not put our faith in man but in God. Psalm 146:3 states: "Put not your trust in princes, in mortal man, who cannot save".

This is because God is eternal, and man is not. The word 'eternal' means "everlasting, having no beginning and no end". This is a difficult concept for humans to grasp, as we measure everything in time. However, God is not bound by time; He is outside of it. He exists in the past, present, and future at the same moment. This is known as God's eternality.

Psalm 90:2 tells us about God’s eternality: “Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God”. This verse highlights that God was there before the creation of the world and will continue to exist forevermore.

The Bible begins with the statement, “In the beginning, God…”, indicating that at the start of recorded time, God was already in existence. When Moses asked God what his name was, God replied, “I AM WHO I AM”, signifying his self-existence and eternality. Jesus Christ, who is one with God, also claimed his deity and eternality, stating, “Before Abraham was born, I AM”.

God’s eternality is also evident in his creation. The sun, moon, and stars continue their orbits century after century. The seasons come and go in their appointed time, and nature follows its cycle. All of this attests to God’s eternal power and plan for the earth.

God’s eternality should fill us with awe and reverence. It is a reminder that God is beyond our comprehension and infinitely greater than us. It also provides us with security and rest, knowing that God is faithful and constant.

In summary, while we may be tempted to put our trust in man, we should remember that only God is eternal and, therefore, worthy of our ultimate faith and confidence.

The strength of God

The Bible makes it clear that we should not put our faith in man, but in God. This is because man is fallible, frail, and mortal. The Psalmist, for example, exhorts us not to trust in princes, nobles, or "human leaders", as they "cannot save" us. Similarly, Isaiah 2:22 reminds us not to trust in "mere humans, who have but a breath in their nostrils".

Instead, we should place our trust in God, who is eternal and sovereign. This is reflected in Proverbs 3:5, which invites us to "Trust in the Lord with all our hearts", and in Psalm 118:8, which states that "It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man".

Psalm 144:4 reminds us that "Man is like a mere breath; His days are like a passing shadow", and Psalm 103:14 acknowledges that "He [God] knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust". Therefore, we should not view ourselves with pride or conceit, as if we are God. Rather, we should remember that our strength comes from God, who is almighty and eternal.

By trusting in God, we can find refuge, protection, and strength. As Psalm 62:8-9 says, "Trust in him at all times, ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us". Similarly, 2 Chronicles 32:7-8 encourages us to "Be strong and courageous" because "there is a greater One with us", reminding us that God is always with us and will help us fight our battles.

In conclusion, when we put our faith in God, we can be assured that we are depending on a power that is eternal, all-knowing, and all-powerful. God's strength is the ultimate source of refuge and salvation.

God's goodness

The Bible makes it clear that we should not put our faith in man but in God. Psalm 146:3 states:

> Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save.

Psalm 118:8-9 also emphasises this point:

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

So, why should we put our faith in God? The Bible tells us that God is good and that His goodness is a core quality. God's goodness conveys His generosity, and He longs to bring joy and blessing to all His creatures.

In addition, God's goodness is revealed in His patience and kindness towards us. He is "slow to anger" and "rich in kindness, forbearance, and patience". He desires that all people would repent and be saved.

Finally, God's goodness is seen in the transformation He brings about in our lives. He promises to "do a good work" in us and to "bring it to completion". He also gives us His Spirit, who produces goodness in us, enabling us to "instruct one another" and to "do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with [Him]".

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