Don't Trust in Princes

Psalms 146:3-4 reads in the NIV:

3 Do not put your trust in princes,
in human beings, who cannot save.
4 When their spirit departs, they return to the ground;
on that very day their plans come to nothing.

Our culture is steeped in individualism but relies heavily on the opinion of others.

We want to be a self-made man or woman by leading a life as we see fit, by our own rules. The Word of God warns us not to put our trust in princes, human flesh, no matter how noble the individual might be - a person of privilege, of power or societal standing.

A prince (or princess) may be any person in whom we seek out for help in times of trouble.

The word for noble means "a generous man, willing" so the temptation to lean on our friends, family or co-workers is real because they are willing and wanting to help and can help since they have the means to do so.

But do we stop and consult God to meet our needs? Do we seek His heart to know what He determines is best for us? Are we spiritually discerning that the "princes" in our lives might lead us into bondage? They can lay claim to our lives by saying they made us strong, wealthy or opened a door for opportunities and God had nothing to do with it.

Yes, the Lord may prompt these individuals to help, but when we go to these sources before getting down on our knees, we have leaned on the arm of the flesh.

Beloved, we are instructed not to lean on our own understanding. What might seem reasonable and right may not be the way God wants to bring about His provision. Won't you trust Him today? It brings God the greatest pleasure when we abandon ourselves to His power and ability to act on our behalf.

When man or woman dies, all that are and have, dies with them but God is eternal. He can not change or lie or die. He is reliable and dependable. Let's ask God to help us lean on Him no matter what our flesh tempts us to do.

Who is this coming up from the wilderness leaning on her beloved? She under the apple tree I roused you; there your mother conceived you, there she who was in labor gave you birth. Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away. If one were to give all the wealth of one's house for love, it would be utterly scorned. (Song of Solomon 8:5-7 NIV).