By Him Alone!

A horse is a false hope for victory; Nor does it deliver anyone by its great strength. Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon those who fear Him [and worship Him with awe-inspired reverence and obedience], On those who hope [confidently] in His compassion and lovingkindness,
PSALM 33:17‭-‬18 AMP

In the pursuit of comfort and convenience, man has discovered and devised ways and means by which he may enjoy this short life. We have built high, electrified  fences; we have reclaimed land from the waters and turned the land into prime real estate; we have surrounded ourselves with gadgets the best money can buy; yet it appears that we are not truly more secure. Advanced nations assume that the threat of nuclear weapons will keep everyone in line, but the realities of this troubled sinful world dictate the opposite. Where then does hope lie?

Today's extract highlights two different perspectives: man's and God's. We have looked at man's perspective above and found it incapable of giving us what we need. What then does God offer? Let's first settle this: being in God does not insulate you from trials and troubles; in fact, when you declare allegiance to God, you are now a target. However, one thing God has promised is that his eye is on all who fear him. This means NOTHING happens to me without God's express approval. If I have sorted out my ownership and allegiance, then the questions of my present help and future hope are settled. Fear isn't a bad thing when God is the target; in fact, we have also been admonished that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.

Fear leads to obedience and true worship in reverence. You don't come to God with pretence and hypocrisy, saying one thing with your mouth but meaning something different in your heart. God cannot be mocked and he is not fooled by outward piety without inward conviction. All I do for God starts from my heart. If my heart is right,  its offerings and sacrifices will be right. It doesn't matter how much I convince myself I'm right; God's standards are the start point.

If God were to administer a test on my allegiance and loyalty today, would I pass? Forget what man tells you or how you convince yourself all is well. One day, all of us will stand before God to render a true account of all we were and did. The people I'm trying to impress today won't be there that day. How would it end for me? Ask yourself the same question. His time of favour is here.