Our Confidence Is In Jesus | Northstar Church

“Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God.”– Psalm 146:3-5.

These words from Psalms are always a good reminder, but appear especially relevant in the heated and divisive political environment of today. Just as the people of Israel were tempted to put their trust in the king’s sons, the next generation of potential leaders – the “princes” – so we are tempted to place our hope in the president and the next generation of political leaders.

The bottom line is that it doesn’t matter which side of the political spectrum you are on. This political system is not our hope. This government is not our hope. This president is not our hope. God is our hope.

Psalm 27 simplifies this subject to a great degree. In verses 10-11 we read, “Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close. Teach me how to live, O Lord. Lead me along the right path, for my enemies are waiting for me.” So even if you are forsaken by your father and mother, attacked by foes, and by greedy enemies, you have hope in God. We’ve all at one time or another put on confidence in people and things other than God but loves us anyway. 1 Corinthians 2:3-5 says: “I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling. And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God.”

Don’t put your trust in “princes” or political candidates. Rather, hope in the Lord. “Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God.” It is the God of the Bible who “… made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. He keeps every promise forever. He gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry. The Lord frees the prisoners. The Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts up those who are weighed down. The Lord loves the godly. The Lord protects the foreigners among us. He cares for the orphans and widows, but he frustrates the plans of the wicked.” (Psalm 146:6-9).

We do, however, need to pray for our leaders. 1 Timothy 2: 1-4 says, “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.” If you want God to work in other people’s lives pray for them. Even when you don’t agree with the policies they put in place, pray for them.

Proverbs 21:1 tells us that “The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord; he guides it wherever he pleases.” And Romans 13:1 reminds us that “Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.” God is in control, and He’s still on His throne. Trust Him with your future and the future of our nation.

Discussion Questions:

Where is your confidence today?
What can we do this week to increase our confidence in God?