In a very interesting passage, the Psalmist wrote, "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God." Psalm 20:7. In yet another place, he wrote, "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes." Psalm 118:8-9. The wise man of old said, "Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint." Proverbs 25:19. I find it impossible to chew on a broken tooth, and running on a broken foot is completely out of the question.

I mention these passages to ask you where you place your trust. We live in a time that might be labeled "a time of misplaced trust." Just as we look for love in all the wrong places, we also look for something to trust in all the wrong places. Consider just a few examples of places where people put trust.

Some, like those of David's time, put their trust in horses. They think transportation is the answer to all things. We are a people on the go. If we can go fast enough, we will outrun our problems, or, if we can go far enough, we can escape them. Sooner than later, we need to understand that solutions to the real problems of life cannot be found by being "on the run." It is best to put one's confidence in the Lord. He will help us deal with life's problems.

Some, again like those of David's time, put their trust in chariots. We live in a time when some seem to think that nearly every human problem has a military solution. There are some things that military preparedness makes little difference in providing a solution. You cannot possibly, for example, heal a broken heart by being militarily prepared. Neither can you heal man's sin problem by having a strong military.

Judah of old had a real dilemma on their hands. Israel and Syria had formed a coalition with plans to attack Judah and set up their own king. On the throne of Judah was the obstinate King Ahaz. In preparation for battle, he had gone to inspect the aqueduct from the upper pool, on the highway to the Fuller's field (Isaiah 7:3). That is where God instructed Isaiah to meet him and to encourage him to place his trust in God. Ahaz wanted no part of Isaiah's instruction. He had or soon would contact Assyria to request their help. If you are familiar with what happened, you know that his brilliant solution was no solution whatsoever. He would have been far better off to have placed his trust in Jehovah.

Some place their trust in medical advancement. It amazes me when I think of the strides medical science has taken just in my lifetime. I recently was in attendance with a family who had a loved one undergoing a kidney transplant. Word is that all went well and she should fully recover to normal activity. Suppose I had tried to tell my grandfather (who died in the 50s) that such would be going on when we crossed the threshold of a new century. That would certainly have been an interesting conversation.

One may place trust in any number of places or things. I would encourage you with these words: "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6) - 90 Waverly Court, Martinsburg, WV 25401. wfkenney@adelphia.net

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