In King David’s day, it went like this:
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” ~Psalm 20:7
What are our modern American “chariots?” What do we trust in? I have some ideas. Scan them and see if any of them strike a nerve for you, and then add your own in the comments.
FINANCIALLY:
- Some trust in bank balances and some in 401(k)s…
- Some trust in two incomes and some in having the right degree…
- Some trust in their husband and some in themselves…
- Some trust in a the housing market, and some in the economy…
FOR PARENTING OUR CHILDREN:
- Some trust in public school, some in Christian private school, and some in homeschooling…
- Some trust in Babywise, and some in Attachment parenting…
- Some trust in spanking, and some in time-outs…
- Some trust in unschooling and some in hyperscheduled kids…
- Some trust in academics and some in extracurriculars…
- Some trust in vaccines and some in a lack of vaccines…
FOR HOMESCHOOL MOMS:
- Some trust in Sonlight and some in Abeka…
- Some trust in co-ops and some in isolation…
- Some trust in sheltering and some in wide exposure…
- Some trust in smart children and some in obedient children…
FOR WIVES:
- Some trust in a strong husband and some in a strong paycheck…
- Some trust in personal appearance and some in sexual intimacy…
- Some trust in manipulation and some trust in their children…
FOR OUR HAPPINESS:
- Some trust in OCD cleaning and some in Better Homes & Gardens rooms…
- Some trust in frugality and some in “retail therapy”…
- Some trust in gifts and some in “me-time”…
Want to write some more that you see around you? Please share in the comments.
Let me challenge you- don’t just attack the things that are “over there” in HER home. Look at your own heart too.
What are you tempted to place your trust in?
Can you think of something specific (other than God) that you’ve recently been tempted to trust in?
Instead, counsel your heart: “but we trust in the name of the LORD, our God.“
Image courtesy of: Stoonn/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Parenting:
Some trust in a “safe” “Christian” alternative culture…
This is a biggie, especially among us homeschoolers.
I’ve noticed that my parenting is often fear driven, so in effort to control, I trust in methods and approaches to parenting that are rule-heavy. In doing so, I put so much focus on externals that I miss the issues of the heart. I’ve also had a huge revelation lately that “me time” is NOT going to determine my happiness. I’ve learned to see time to myself as an added bonus if it happens, but not to live like I deserve it or need it to “make me a better mom.” Thank God for His sufficiency in in my life, and I pray to continue to grow to trust HIM more!
Thanks for another great post, Jess!
I am tempted to trust in ‘hard work’. When things are difficult, I can blame myself, that I should have worked harder, prepared more, used my time more wisely, got up an hour earlier each day, put in that extra effort, you get the general picture. There are verses like Colossians 3:23 ‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord and not for men’. The challenge for me is to work with all my heart as UNTO the Lord – to draw the line short of idolatry, and to continue to live in trust and freedom.
Challenging post. Thanks Jess.