Psalm 118:8 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.
So the Hebrew word חָסָה'(chasah) means: 'to completely trust in, to have hope in so much so that you take full refuge in!"
Don't we all say and often hear, "We don't know who to trust anymore these days." Well in saying that, surely we don't mean Jesus either? Can we trust Him, fully rely on Him, and find our refuge in Him?
For Hebrews 4:15-16 declares that we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Can we trust the Holy Spirit?
Wasnt He sent to guide us into all truth and teach us all things and command us just as He hears from Christ to make known to us?
Sadly, because many people struggle to trust man, and because they have been let down so many times before, they neglect to realise how Scripture points us to the Son of Man in whom we ought to fully trust.
Exercise programs, diets, rituals, numerous man made products and the latest technology are just a few things many long to find their refuge in, as if they feel safe and secure as long as its around.
Even though there is nothing wrong with having certain securities and even trustworthy relationships among men, we need to hear what the Psalmist warned us about: to not try and find our shelter amongst one another, but in the Lord, as He and He alone is our eternal hope.
The Psalmist further placed emphasis on our true shelter by mentioning leaders and people in very high places when he wrote in the next verse: It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes' (Ps 118:9).
The word נָדִיב (nadib) literally refers to those who are in high positions, people with power and authority, yet it is better to trust in the Lord than in them!
The other reality is that because of distrust in others, people also quickly begin to trust in themselves, in our own choices and decisions, while Scripture testifies: 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding (Prov 3:5).
Let us allow this thought from Psalm 118 to admonish us this morning to trust completely in the Lord Jesus.
Our true hope does not lie in man, but in the Son of Man.
Who are you going to trust and hope upon today?
Amen