Our scripture this morning is Proverbs 18:10-11 (NASB1995).
The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe. A rich man’s wealth is his strong city, And like a high wall in his own imagination.
This pair of verses contrasts the mindset of those who put their trust in God with those who believe in their own wealth, position, power, or any human thing. It reminds me of an earlier verse pair: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6). We are stuck in the sin of pride when we trust ourselves rather than relying on God.
I have heard our situation compared to a toddler with a complex Lego set – we have a wealth of resources given to us but not always the knowledge of how to use them well. God says “let me guide you with what I have given and together we can build something beautiful.” Unfortunately, like petulant toddlers, we often refuse His help.
God is always there to love and protect us but as the proverb says, we must run to Him. All our human “strength” is imaginary, only God is able to save us. Let’s run the right way in faith, choosing God over all else.
Loving Lord, we are ashamed of our willful disobedience, thinking we can do it on our own. Help us to see the blessing that awaits us when we say yes to Your love. Amen.
