Psalm 118:8

Doubtless the reader has been tested by the temptation to rely on the things that are seen, instead of resting solely on the invisible God. Christians often look to man for help and counsel, and spoil the noble simplicity of their reliance on their God. Does this evening’s portion meet the eye of a child of God anxious about temporal concerns? Then we would reason with him for a while.

You trust in Jesus, and only in Jesus, for your salvation. Then why are you troubled? “Because of my great care.” Is it not written, “Cast thy burden upon the Lord”? And also, “Be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication make known your wants unto God.” Cannot you trust God for temporal matters?

“Ah! I wish I could.” If you cannot trust God for temporal matters, how dare you trust Him for spiritual matters? Can you trust Him for your soul’s redemption, and not rely on Him for a few lesser mercies? Is not God enough for your need, or is His all-sufficiency too narrow for your wants?

Do you want another eye besides that of Him who sees every secret thing? Is His heart faint? Is His arm weary? If so, seek another god; but if He is infinite, omnipotent, faithful, true, and all-wise, why do you wander about so much to seek another confidence? Why do you rake the earth to find another foundation, when this one is strong enough to bear all the weight that you can ever build on it?

Christian, do not mix your wine with water; do not alloy your gold of faith with the dross of human confidence. Wait only on God, and let your expectation be from Him. Do not covet Jonah’s gourd, but rest in Jonah’s God. Let the sandy foundations of earthly trust be the choice of fools; but you, like one who foresees the storm, build for yourself an abiding place on the Rock of Ages.