Who (or what) we put our trust in

Who or what do you put your trust in?

Yourself?  Your money?  Or God?

That’s what Solomon addresses time and again in Proverbs.  He writes,

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. 

The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they imagine it an unscalable wall. 

Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.  (Proverbs 18:10-12)

So many people put their trust in themselves.  In their own wisdom, or in this case, what they have.  They feel that if they have enough money, they can handle whatever may come their way.

But Solomon writes that it is when you put your trust in God that you are truly safe. 

Many who have put their trust in money still haven’t found happiness or security.  Their marriages fall apart.  They lose sleep worrying about their job or the stocks they’ve invested in. 

And though they may have all they need, they still find it hard to be at peace.

And though others may feel secure, proud of all they have or all they’ve accomplished, often times they see the kingdoms they built crumble around them. 

More importantly, they will find that the day will come when they have to stand before God and give an account before him for all they’ve done. 

And if they’ve been only living for themselves, they’ll find that all they built will mean nothing on the day of judgment.

On the other hand, those who have put their trust in God find rest in him, knowing that as they walk in his will, he will take care of them. 

And on the day of judgment, they will be able to stand with Jesus at their side.

So we need to be careful who or what we put our trust in.

Solomon writes,

It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way.  (Proverbs 19:2)

We can have all the enthusiasm for life in the world, but if we are not following God and his leading, we’ll miss the path that he has for us. 

So often, in our zeal, we make foolish mistakes that we later regret.  Yet as Solomon says,

A man’s own folly ruins his life, yet his heart rages against the LORD.  (19:3)

So many times, we trust in our own wisdom and so ruin our lives, and then we ask, “God, why did you let this happen to me?”

But we fail to realize that we are simply reaping what we sowed.  Had we trusted in God, we wouldn’t have fallen into the pit we are in.

As Solomon said,

He who obeys instructions guards his life, but he who is contemptuous of his ways will die.  (19:16)

God’s words are the words of life.  If we choose to ignore them, that’s on our own head.

So Solomon admonishes us,

Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.  (19:20)

And always remember,

Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.  (19:21)

In other words, you can make all the plans that you want, but things will turn out in the end the way that God wants. 

So don’t fight God’s will.  Align yourself with it.  And if you do, you’ll find,

The fear of the LORD leads to life:  Then one rests content, untouched by trouble.  (19:23)

Who or what are you putting your trust in?