No Trust in Man

"Put not your trust in the son of man, in whom there is no help.” Psalm 146:3

In one sense, we are very dependent on each other. In most areas of life, we are sustained by those around us—especially in the family of God. Everyone feels it is their duty to support the weak, lift the downcast, and comfort the mourner. If not, we’ve not drunk from the well of Him who came "to bind up the brokenhearted.”

But in another higher sense, "vain is the help of man." Health does not return after we visit the sick. Our words of comfort often leave with us, when we visit the grieving. It matters very little how skilled we are, how bright, and how compassionate. The pain of disease still ravishes the body. A load of anxious care still oppresses their hearts.

So shall we "trust in the son of man?" No. Not in any lasting way. We trust in Him alone who "hath the issues of life and death.” My heart may be filled with gratitude and love for those who have been the instruments in God's hand, but I will not "put my trust" in them. I must look higher—to Him who has promised to watch over me with a Father's care, and Whose power none can resist. I will look to Him who is seated as an Advocate and Elder Brother at the Father's right hand as He pleads the merits of His own precious blood. I will look to Him alone, who can carry home the truth to my heart, even the Comforting Spirit.

Dear one, it is good to look beyond the creature; to realize that only one Arm is all-powerful, —one Heart all-loving,—one Ear ever open,—one Eye never closed;—and that to Him and Him alone, our secrets and sorrows belong. As far as we can trace God's hand in what others do and say, earthly love and sympathy will be a comfort. When we forget or overlook this, we will fail to gain anything lasting.

And indeed, it is a comforting thought that "He careth for thee.” That all your concerns are full of interest to Him.

Others may not notice your tears.

He always will.

Others may be distant from us in our hour of need.

He is an ever-present help in times of trouble.

Others may be occupied and taken up with cares of their own.

His ear "is ever open to our cry."

Others may even become weary of helping us.

He is always "touched by our infirmities.”

Let us, then, not put "our trust in the son of man, in whom there is no help,” and with a sense of love and gratitude, look to the only true Comforter. Unburden yourself to Him. All your wants, weaknesses, sorrows, anxieties, sins, and failures. And be assured that He will send us pardon, peace, help, hope, and joy.