“Blessed
is the one
who trusts in the Lord,
who does not
look to the proud,
to those who turn aside
to false gods1.”
Psalm 40:4
I would
like to look at this verse using Joseph Benson’s understanding of it; using
‘lies’ in place of ‘false gods’ (see Benson’s note below).
There is an obvious falseness to
lies. Worldly possessions are lies in
that they promise much more than they truly offer. Placing our trust in ‘things’ rather than God
shows a lack of understanding of our soul’s condition prior to redemption. It’s a difficult decision to place all your
trust in an entity that is unseen, but that is the very nature of faith. If we could see God it wouldn’t require faith
to believe in Him. Scripture tells us
(Hebrews 11:6) that without faith it is impossible to please God. Just believing in His existence isn’t nearly
enough. Knowing Him should make our
lives different. His Holy Spirit desires
to change us from the inside out.
Without trust this can never happen.
Those who turn to the temporal things of this world to survive are
placing their trust in empty shells that once cracked and broken are
worthless. Only God never changes. His love remains the same; unconditional and
eternal.
Why should someone place their trust in
someone they cannot see? There is no
record throughout the Bible of God ever failing to do that which He has
promised to do. Of course, you first
have to believe the Bible is God’s inerrant word, free from flaw or defect. If
you aren’t willing to accept that then consider the words of French philosopher
& author Albert Camus (1913-1960): “I would rather live my life as if there
is a God and die to find out there isn't, than live as if there isn't and to
die to find out that there is.”
Don’t believe worldly lies and in so
doing place your trust in them. Trust
only God, for He always has your best interests at heart. Until next time, walk
with the King and be a blessing!
1 ‘false gods’ can also be
translated ‘lies’.
Note: To lying vanities, such
as worldly power, and wisdom, and riches, and all other earthly things or
persons, in which men are prone to trust; which are called lies, because they
promise more than they perform. [Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New
Testaments; Joseph Benson – Methodist minister; 1749-1820.]
