Stop trusting in mere human beings, who can’t help you. They only live for a little while. What good are they?
Isaiah 2:22 (NIrV)
Lord Jesus, as I read this verse this morning, the events of yesterday came to mind. I am amazed at how life’s events can come at me so quickly, so ferociously, that I am swept into action, and my first instinct is not to stop and pray. I sometimes don’t even just pause to look to You. I jump straight to it, trying to take care of business – handle the issue at hand – and “deliver” me and my family. And after the dust settles, the crisis is over, everything is calm and back in order, I then say, “Thank You Jesus!” Yet, in the fray I don’t think to pray. Is this not depending upon myself, a subtle slippage into idolatry, make a small “g” god out of me, those who can assist with the solutions, and the apparatus at my disposal? True, I’m not “bowing down” to worthless idols, calling upon the names of fabricated gods. But am I not bowing down to the works of my hands, to what my fingers have made, what I am able to do (Isaiah 2:8)? Lord, please forgive me!
Lord, it is not lost on me that some may look at this and think that I am being hard on myself. I don’t believe I am. It is my desire to have my life consumed with serving You, worshipping You, trusting You, surrendered to YOU! I want every aspect of my life to point towards my You, Savior. I want to rely on You and Your deliverance in all things, not me or those around me, whether big or small. Yes, You use others and me to meet my needs. But I want to always know and trust that it is YOU. I want coming to You to be my first reaction, my first response.
So, Lord, as I step into the rush of today, remind me of this blind spot in my person. Remind me of my tendency to act first and pray later, and help me to reverse the order. Help me to stop trusting in mere humans, including myself, knowing that I – we – can’t truly help me. Remind me that the aid received will only last for a little while but Your deliverance is eternal. Help me to train my spiritual reflexes to kick in and take over control from my inner “Mr. Fix It,” compelling me to come rushing first to You, seeking Your face, and trusting in Your sure deliverance, and then asking You, “What shall I do?”
Thank You Lord Jesus for taking care of me even when I forget to come to You first. You take of me despite me and for this I am eternally grateful. Help me please to place my trust in You in all things and demonstrate that trust in my actions to Your glory. Amen.