Trust in the One who is faithful

Pr. 29:25: “The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.”

This is one of those verses I use to remind myself of the truth. When we begin to fear man more than the Lord, we are on a slippery slope, at best. A snare is something that entraps us, entangles us, catches and keeps us.

In Mt. 16:26, Jesus said, “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”

This world offers so much. We can be the most popular, the sexiest, the best dressed, the richest, the most successful. We can be housewives with immaculate homes, and the cleanest, most well dressed, and sportiest children. We can have the latest hairstyle or color, the best car, the coolest gadgets. We can watch all the right shows, have the biggest and best network of contacts, drink the most revered drinks, party at the most sought after places, or hold the most prestigious jobs.

All of it; however, has the potential to bring a snare upon us to entangle us, and to distract us from our true purpose. If the opinions of others becomes the driving force in our lives, we will become ensnared in the constant pursuit to keep up, to fit in, to be noticed for those titles we hold. Man’s opinions are fickle, let me remind you, and what’s the best today can easily become the most out-dated tomorrow. Also, we must keep Jesus’ words in mind: what profit is it to gain the whole world and lose our souls? We simply cannot give in and exchange our souls for dust and ashes.

While man’s opinions continually change, the Lord remains the same yesterday, today, and forever. The Lord does not change. Unlike those who may only be a ‘friend’ while you’re doing as they like or approve, the Lord loved us so much that even in our worst state, He sent His Son to take our sin and disease upon Himself to give us eternal life. Surely we are safe with One such as this.

Also, the Lord, who promised to care for and provide for us, is faithful to keep His promises, never turning His back in our time of need or despair. The same God whose glory passed before Moses, turning his hair white and causing him to shine so brightly that he had to cover his face with a veil, is the same God who goes before you and keeps you safely in His mighty arms.

His name is actually a refuge to which we can run. We need not fear. What can man do to those whose Helper is the great and mighty Lord of Lords? Don’t allow yourself to become ensnared by the ever-changing opinions or expectations of imperfect people. Trust in the Lord who will never leave you nor forsake you.

In His arms,

jamie