Psalm 20:7-8 Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
They are brought to their knees and fall,
but we rise up and stand firm.

People trust in, or boast of, all sorts of things. Physical things have varying degrees of reliability, but the only thing that is absolutely reliable is God. We see this all the time, when we or those around us rely on things and they fail. When that happens, whoever was relying on that thing is indeed brought to their knees, figuratively speaking. The desirable thing would be that whenever anyone is brought to their knees, they would use that opportunity to pray! We tend to rely on all sorts of things in our daily lives, from electricity to water supply to the physical structure of our houses to a myriad of minor things. I think the reason the Lord allows those things to fail sometimes is to teach us to rely on Him. Something like the massive earthquake and tsunami, and consequent nuclear disaster, in March of this year is an extreme example of that. Human pride and complacency never bring about a good result in the end. We need to realize that temporal, of time, means temporary, and everything we have that’s physical, and even physical life itself, is ultimately unreliable. However, God is eternal, and the faith, hope, and love that He provides, along with a host of other spiritual blessings, will last forever.

I’ve just had a minor reminder of that with a computer parts order that came in yesterday. One item wasn’t what I really needed, due to my failing to read the catalog page carefully, and the other item, for reasons unknown, simply didn’t work. Though those things, if as desired and working properly, would indeed improve the usefulness of my computer, there was a definite element of “bragging rights” to my wanting them in the first place. This is a good, and relatively harmless, lesson for me. Likewise, I am not to be cast down when other things don’t go as I would like. My reliance must be on God and nothing less, not allowing the failures of the things and systems and people of this world to drag me down. If I will do that, I will indeed stand straight when others are falling, and I will be able to lead others into salvation by grace through faith as well.

Father, thank You for this reminder, both the circumstances and the Word this morning. Help me seek You first and foremost and allow You to show me what tools and equipment I need. Help me make good use of those tools, and especially to appropriate the armor You provide, so that I may be consistently victorious against the devil and his schemes, walking in purity and setting many captives free, for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!