Where’s Our Trust?
Joshua 23-24; Psalms 44; 1 Corinthians 11
“It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory; it was your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, for you loved them…I do not trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory;…”
Psalm 44:3, 6
Israel’s inheritance was won for them by the Lord; however, they were responsible to follow and obey him. Later in Israel’s history, when they suffered defeat and exile, the temptation was to blame their circumstances on poor leadership, strong enemies, or a lack of military strength. However, the Psalmist reminds God’s people that their inheritance came from the Lord. He was the one who could restore it.
What are we trusting in for our inheritance today in Christ’s kingdom?
Have the right hand, the arm, or the light of God’s face changed?
Has his love for us changed?
Will we humble ourselves and pursue the loving, light-filled face of the Lord?
It was Israel that drifted away from the Lord, not the reverse.
Where is God inviting us to turn back and seek his face?
What are the ‘swords and bows’ in which we are tempted to place our hope?
“Lord God, my hope is in you, not in ‘swords or bows’, strategic plans, or even people, for your glory”