Put Not Your Trust In Princes

When injustice assaults
again
when image-bearers die
again
when grieving mothers mourn
again
when communities lament
again
when eyes are closed
again
when backs are turned
again
when right takes a hit
again
when business as usual returns
again
when accountability is questioned
again
when narratives are twisted
again
when anger rises
again
when hope dims
again
then we remember
again
the kings of earth
do not hold our hope
then we remember
again
put not your trust in princes
in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation
they will fail us
again
they will compromise
again
forsake their call
again
like your people of old
harmed by corrupt kings
we will remember
again
our hope is held by a
greater king
we will work
again
we will stand
again
we will fight
again
because we know
our greater king
is just
is good
is righteous
is merciful
in every way
he will rise
again
and right every wrong
again
while we wait
we will hope
we will believe
we will work
we will pray
we will right wrongs
again and again
until the greater king comes
again
to usher in righteousness
forever.

God bless,

Paul David Tripp

Reflection Questions

1. What else does the Bible have to say about putting our trust in the things of this world? Find verses similar to Psalm 146:3, write them down, and place them somewhere visible in your home (HINT: Psalm 20:7, Psalm 33:16, Psalm 44:6)

2. What, or who, do you rely on every day for success, stability, pleasure, or joy? This could be your spouse and children, employment and income, friends and church family, a car and refrigerator, smartphone and Internet connection, etc.

3. Review your list from Question #2. How are these good gifts from God that you don’t deserve? How often do you take them for granted when instead, they should produce humility and gratitude?

4. Review your list from Question #2 again. How can each of these fail in some way? How have they failed you in the past?

5. When something from your list fails or disappoints, how do you respond? What does your response reveal?

6. Without forsaking your God-given responsibilities and relationships, how can you abandon (or lessen) your trust and hope in the things of this world? How will that change your expectations and reactions? Be specific.