Psalm 118:8

It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.

We are always more comfortable walking by sight which makes us susceptible to placing our trust in the tangible and the temporary. It is easy for us to lean on ourselves and others instead of God. We live in a world where we trust in man’s ability to fix man’s problems which is in essence the cry of many governments. Slowly and subtly our culture is calling us to believe the lie that we can fix our own mess, that we can legislate our way out of any problem. Psalm 118 is an important reminder of where to place our trust and where not to place it. Trust is a matter of where or in what our confidence rests and we are being asked on an unprecedented scale to place our trust in mankind despite the overwhelming evidence that we are not trustworthy.

Over the years we have tried to use several vehicles to convince ourselves that we can fix our own problems. Our last failed vehicle that we championed, technology, was supposed to fix many of our problems by giving us more time for relationships and relaxation. It was supposed to help us arrive at the destination of more connectedness while also being less stressed, but like all the others it broke down on route. So rather than admit failure we have replaced it with the vehicle of information, but at some point after we have put it through its paces we will have to admit that this vehicle will also fail leaving its hopeful occupants broken and bruised. But with every vehicle crash we still refuse to acknowledge the real problem, us, and so like the crash test dummies that we are, we will keep trying. You see behind every vehicle that we trust in there is a fundamental flaw; we are the ones building these vehicles. The issue isn’t the vehicle it’s the one building it, the real problem is that in trusting in our vehicles we are trusting in our own creations and that is simply trusting in self. Behind all the hype of the latest launch vehicle is the truth that trust in self will always bring tragedy. The bible reminds us that it’s not enough to just abandon such folly, we have to replace it, replace our trust in self with trust in our Savior. The real reason we trust in man is that we are arrogant and proud, we want the recognition and the glory. It’s also a great way to pretend that God doesn’t exist or at least ignore Him a little while longer.

So here is the question, why is it better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man? Because of His:

• POWER

It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man because God is all powerful. Matthew 19:26 says that the things which are impossible with man are possible with God.  Jeremiah 33:3 reminds us that because of the God’s power He has promised to show us great and mighty things when we call upon Him. Job experienced the saving power of God and tells us that it is God that does great and unsearchable things, marvelous things, miracles without number. Are you tired of trusting in a pitiful power? Is it time to rely on His unlimited power, to trust in His ability not yours?

• PASSION

Man’s love is often so conditional, human love changes all the time and comes with many strings attached. Yet there is something in us that yearns to be loved and accepted not for what we can do or who we are but without condition. Only the love of God is unconditional and everlasting, Jeremiah 31:3 reminds us that “The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.” It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man because God’s passion and love towards us is everlasting. The Love of God never changes and if God loved us so much that He did not spare His own Son but gave Him for us then surely He will provide everything else that we need  Romans 8:32. God will make all things work together for good in our lives, we are His kids and He so passionate for us that He has lavished His love on us I John 3:1. Are you tired of jumping through the human hoops of conditional love? Is it time to stop trying to measure up and earn another day’s worth of love just to get by? Do you want to immerse yourself in His unending love?

• PEACE

We live in a world of continual conflict and fleeting peace, many of us grow weary in this struggle and often settle for temporary peace. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man because of the great peace and tranquility it will bring us. Isaiah 26:3 says that the Lord will keep those who trust in Him in perfect peace. We long for peace and rest and Isaiah 30:15 reminds us that trusting the Lord brings a quietness and confidence that will give us strength. We often experience panic not peace, we are worn down with worry and distress but  Philippians 4:6-7 says that we should make all our requests known to God and that His peace which transcends all understanding will rule our hearts.  Man may not be consistent enough to let us rest in assurance, he will waver in his commitments and cause us great anxiety when we try to place our confidence in him. Do you need the rest that comes with peace? Then put your trust in God.

John 14:1-34

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. 2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.”

As we get ready to celebrate Easter this weekend I want to remind you of the simplicity and yet the beauty of our faith, Christmas is the Promise, Good Friday is the Payment and Easter is the Proof. Continuing on in John 14 we are reminded of Jesus words of comfort to His disciples at a time of great worry and tribulation and we are reminded not only of His Presence but also:

•             His Promises

Throughout the bible God gave many promises, in the Old Testament He promised the children of Israel a land flowing with milk & honey. It took a while for the promise to be fulfilled, but it was fulfilled. He also promised a Messiah, and even though that seemed to take a long time, in the New Testament it was fulfilled through the birth and death of His son Jesus the Savior. Now in John 14 we are promised that He is coming back for us, someday we’ll be with Him forever & ever. Sometimes we grow impatient as we await His return. Sometimes in the tribulation of this life we are tempted to doubt but the scripture says, “You can trust the promises of God and this promise will be fulfilled too.”

This Easter would you take time to reflect on the promise of heaven? The Bible uses a lot of different words to describe heaven. In one place it is called “a country” indicating the vastness of heaven. In another it is called “a city” indicating the community of heaven. It is called “a kingdom” indicating that there is a governmental structure to it all. It is called “paradise” indicating its beauty and desirability. But here it is called, “My Father’s house,” & that is another way of saying, “It is home.” Home is a place where you can be yourself, where you can kick off your shoes and relax, where you’re always accepted & loved. Home is a place where you are not just a guest but a resident because you live there. Jesus reminds us that in His Father’s house are many rooms, the King James Version says, “many mansions.” and as much as I like that word the real meaning has its focus on a dwelling place. Home is that place where you dwell, where you belong. Jesus is saying, “I’m going to take you to My Father’s house and it will be your home too. You’ll be a part of the family. You’ll be home where you belong.”

When I think about the reality of heaven made possible for me through the cross of Christ, I am reminded that much of me is already there. My name is written there, my citizenship is there, my God is there, my Savior is there, my inheritance is there, and many of my loved ones are there. So much of me is already there, soon His promise will be fulfilled, and I will be in my Father’s house.

We can trust in His presence and His promises but He also says we have to Trust in:

• HIM

Jesus is saying, “Trust in Me.” In verses 4-6 Jesus says, “`You know the way to the place where I am going.’ Thomas said to Him, `Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?’ Jesus answered, `I am the way & the truth & the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’”

What a wonderful promise, He is the way. He is saying, “I’m not just going to show you the way, or tell you the way, or write out the instructions on how to get there. I’m going to come & take you by the hand to My Father’s house. Then you’ll be home.” Do you have burdens that you think you cannot bear? Are you troubled? Are you worried or anxious? Do you feel empty inside? Do you feel lonely? Do you feel lost? Are you confused? Whatever your burdens the solution to a troubled heart is still the same, to trust, to trust in Him. “I’ll never leave you,” He said. “I’ll always be beside you.

Have you found the way? Have you found Jesus? This Easter God offers you eternal life through the payment of Good Friday and the proof of the resurrection. When we believe and receive the free gift of eternal life He turns our tragedy into triumph.