Introductory Thoughts
Though the means of worldly safety have changed throughout time, people have always put their trust in various things to offer temporary safety. The Bible depicts those who trusted in fenced walls (Deuteronomy 28:52), nations (Isaiah 30:2-3), horses, horsemen and chariots (Isaiah 31:1), weapons (Psalm 44:6), and mountains (Amos 6:1). People today place their trust in weapons, security systems, governments, insurance policies, and even medicines. Though the sources of trust have changed, the Lord remains just as grieved today when men place their trust upon the things of this world rather than upon Him. Ultimately, every source of worldly safety will fail, often in the moment we perceive as our greatest time of need.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): When outnumbered by the Philistines, Jonathan trusted God completely and was going to attack a certain camp (1 Samuel 14:6). Elisha told his servant to trust God when surrounded by their enemies (2 Kings 6:15-17). Safety is of the Lord (Psalm 112:7).
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(For everyone): In what ways do you trust this world for safety? Who should you trust in times of war, danger, sickness, chaos, or inclement weather? What are the chances of the Lord failing you?
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Why does it displease the Lord when His people put their trust in this world for safety? How many people have had to find out the hard way that this world cannot be trusted?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask the Lord to help you see that He is faithful.
- Ask God to show you the inability of the world to offer safety.
Song
My Faith Has Found a Resting Place
