"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." Proverbs 3:5
Because God gave us a will, we have choices. Our life, given to us by God, is ours to do with as we want. But our choices have consequences, giving us three options. Do we trust in: our Creator (Christianity); self (religion); or trust nothing at all (atheism or agnosticism). This overall choice has grave consequences as it determines our after life. We are created in God's image and so, we are everlasting beings. Given this, we must trust in God:
TO ESTABLISH US…
"May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us - yes, establish the work of our hands." Psalm 90:17
It is important to know that this Psalm was actually written by Moses during their journey through the desert. He asked for God's favor to help establish (firmly fix / settle) them in the Promise Land. To establish also means that God is the one who started us and secures us. From Moses' perspective, the Promise Land was an idea birthed in God and could only be carried out by God. It's the same for us as we look forward to and head toward our Promise Land (heaven). Like all things, we are God's creation, but now, upon our confession of faith in Jesus, we are also His children. He not only formed us, but He firms us securely by His Word. In religion, you try to establish yourself (duped). With no God, no-one is established (done). As followers of Jesus Christ, God secures our future.
…AND EQUIP US.
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." II Timothy 3:16-17
God knows what He asks is contrary to our sin nature. Our instinct is to demand our way and take the easy path. We seek pleasure and avoid pain at all cost. God's ways are for us to serve Him and others above self. For God to establish us, we must allow Him equip (build, teach, furnish) us. The Lord uses two ways to equip us - His Word and His Spirit. By these we become who we were meant to be, and go to the place we're designed for.
Comments