Who to Trust?

"Do not put your trust in princes,

in human beings, who cannot save.

When their spirit departs, they return to the ground;

on that very day their plans come to nothing.

Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob,

whose hope is in the LORD their God."

Psalm 146:3-5 

It's election season!  As we delve into another long period of mud slinging, broken promises and hopeful anticipation, let's carefully consider whom we should entrust with this job of leading our country, of changing policy for the better, of directing the course of our future.  

Often, I place my faith in people who make confident and optimistic claims of their ability to create a better world in which we live.  I wonder about the direction this country is headed and wonder which candidate I should entrust with my vote, hoping against all hope that this time will be different, that this politician will truly live up to his lofty promises, that this man or woman will shake up the status quo and get things done.  

It's easy to place my trust in someone who makes wonderful pledges, has a sincere heart and a good plan, thinking if we don't elect the right person all will be lost.  Or is my trust better served in another place?

Help.  There is only so much man can do to help his fellow man.  He can claim to be trustworthy, but he will always change his mind on some point as his perspective changes throughout his life, letting down many people in the process.  Humans also tend to make lofty arguments about their ability to judge judiciously, giving everyone a fair shake.  I wonder, though, if it's even possible for any created being to think and act impartially 100% of the time.  We can also have the best of intentions to provide for all who are in need, but man is only man, after all, and will fail to deliver at some point.

If I place my hope in mankind, politician or otherwise, I will be let down.  Man is here today and gone tomorrow; what impact can mere humans make on their own?  Therefore, trust that is placed in the Lord our God, maker of heaven and earth, is a trust well-placed.  I will never be sorry that I placed my confidence in Him to uphold "the cause of the oppressed and [give] food to the hungry."  (Psalm 146:7)

As election season approaches, may I remember to choose a candidate wisely yet remember that God is the only One who can truly help in a way that makes a lasting difference.

Liberation.  People gather to protest.  Thugs take the opportunity to loot and wreak havoc.  Commentators and self-appointed spokespeople give their opinions.  Still, people remain imprisoned by their own destructive lifestyles, blinded by ignorance, and toppled off their pedestal by foolishness.  Is there anyone who can save us from ourselves?

Only God is able to set free those who are bound by sin and the consequences of destructive choices.  Only God can open up the eyes of the arrogantly unknowing.  Only God has the ability to place all things in proper order, giving deference to those who humble themselves before Him (v 7b-8).

As election season approaches, may I remember to choose a candidate wisely yet remember that God is the only One who can liberate us from our foolish ways.

Protection.  It's hard to see the vulnerable taken advantage of:  Widows suffer.  Orphans long for a loving home.  Single moms do the best they can.  Leaders rise up, making claims of passing laws to protect their rights, dispersing funds to help their plight, and forming committees to study how best to preserve lives.  Still, while their efforts are appreciated, there is only so much man can do on his own.

If I think that man is the one who is my best chance at protecting the mentally ill who suffer, or the alien who came with the hope of a better life only to be taken advantage of, or the homeless who are at the end of their rope, I'll be disappointed time and time again.  While those who follow Jesus are called to take up the cause of such as these, it is only through the power of a loving God that anyone is able to accomplish anything of worth.  It is God who is the ultimate Protector, who watches over the weak and upholds the cause of the vulnerable.  Therefore, I'd best align myself with Him and join in where He is already at work.

As election season approaches, may I remember to choose a candidate wisely yet remember that God is the only One who can protect the helpless.

As politicians make grand speeches and deliver inspirational messages, its easy for me to jump on their bandwagon, believing they will be the one who can bring about the change we so desperately need.  Unfortunately, if I place all my trust in man I will be let down.  Therefore, I'd be wise to trust in God who is the only One who can truly help, liberate and protect.  He is my great Hope, and I will never be disappointed when I place my faith in Him!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God enough to believe He is my only hope.

When do I get caught up in a politician's promises, hoping they will give us a better tomorrow?

How am I foolishly giving man the confidence that only God can handle?