My title for this devotion is My own wisdom vs. His wisdom.
One of the hardest things to do-at least I think so-is to trust Someone you can’t see. I’m not talking about the atheist who says, “I don’t believe in God” or even the agnostic who says, “I’ll believe if you can prove it.” I’m talking about the Christ-follower who believes and knows but struggles to cling. Their mind says one thing but their heart says another.
One of my favorite verses in Psalms and even in the whole Bible is Acts 20:7: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” Verse 8 goes on to add: “They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright.” Given the context I’d suggest verse 8 is further commentary on verse 7.
The contrast is striking in verse 7. There are two options given:
- Trust in man-made things and self (my wisdom)
- Trust in God. (His wisdom)
The choice results in “collapsing and falling” or “rising and standing upright.” Whenever I choose to trust in man-made things or in myself, I immediately limit the playing field. The incompleteness of human wisdom becomes evident.
Meanwhile, choosing God’s wisdom immediately widens the playing field. The possibilities of what God can do are endless.
But, how can I say all that? What makes this true? Psalm 19 has that answer. I’ll include it; you ponder it. No commentary. Just the Word:
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;
the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than fine gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.” (19:7-11)
“Father, as the psalmist says, ‘Let the words of my mouth and meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight.’ Help me to trust in You and Your Word not in the wisdom of man; things man-made; or my own wisdom, the wisdom of self. I place my complete trust in You and Your infallible Word.”
Amen, Bill! Let us all trust in God’s infinite wisdom and not rely on our own. His precepts and commands are the ultimate guides in this life.
Blessings!
We really need to recommit ourselves to the wisdom of God’s Word. Thanks Martha.
Why would I want to lean on my understanding which is finite, when I can lean on the infinite Wisdom of God… Yet I often do.
Exactly…and ditto.
Every day brings at least one reminder, and usually several more, of the inadequacy of my own wisdom.
You and I must attend the same school Glynn.
Relying on oneself by the power of God including His freewill is one thing, but relying on oneself “as gods” is another.
I marvel at the lost who believe like Eve that they can be “as gods”. They think so highly of themselves that they set up the rules to get to heaven.
If we aren’t self existent and don’t have the power to will ourselves to live forever, it might be worth them considering the word of God.
you are right Floyd. Great distinction. Unfortunately, it way too often comes down to us acting “as gods.” Only in His power will we make it.