False trust

Thus says the Lord: "Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord." - Jeremiah 17:5

In whom have you placed your trust? This is a key question for all who desire to live by faith in God. Unfortunately, we are often adept at substituting our sincere trust in the Lord with what is before our eyes: material possessions, our own strength, or that of others. When we place our faith in anything or anyone other than God, we adopt a false sense of trust and turn away from the Lord.

Today's verse warns us about this counterfeit faith that places its trust in humans or the resources of this world, distancing itself from God. It is a natural tendency of fallen humanity to separate from the Lord and seek answers in human idols. But every Christian needs to have Jesus Christ as the sole object of their faith. He is the true hope, the author and perfecter of our faith. Only in God will we be called blessed by the Lord, for believing in Him with genuine trust.

Abandon false trust today

- Meditate on who has been the object of your trust: your parents, your boss, your spouse, your children, yourself, material possessions... Always remember this: apart from the Lord, no one is worthy of complete trust.

- Withdraw your faith from the person or thing (money, for example) in which you have placed more trust than in God. What you need will not come because of human strength or will, but through the grace and will of God.

- Until you place 100% of your trust in God, you will feel frustrated and wounded because no one can guarantee what only Jesus can do.

- Pray and place the Lord at the center of your heart. Trust and rest in Him. He will act (Psalm 37:4-5).

- Seek to know God better; read His Word daily. You will see how your trust in Him strengthens every day.

Prayer: Lord God, forgive me for placing my trust in other things/people and not in You. Help me to believe in You wholeheartedly and not in my own strength. May Your Word teach me to trust and rest in You amid all the adversities of my life. I thank You because You are good and faithful, worthy of all trust, and You take care of me. In Jesus' name, amen.