Misplaced Trust

In 1 Samuel 4:1-2, Israel’s army suffered a devastating blow. When they faced Philistia, their most dangerous enemy, the Philistines killed 4,000 Israelites on the battlefield. The massacre caused the nation to search for some means to secure a quick victory. Then they remembered that in an earlier generation their ancestors marched the Ark of the Covenant around Jericho, causing the walls of the city to come tumbling down.

The Israelites brought the Ark into battle, confident that they could not lose. Surprisingly, however, this time they lost 30,000 soldiers (4:10). How could it be that they suffered greater losses with the Ark than without it? The reason is simple: They trusted in the Ark of the Covenant for deliverance rather than God. Furthermore, they were more interested in what God could do for them rather than honoring Him as their worthy King.

Any time that we allow religion, tradition, status, economic stability or anything else to substitute for trusting in Jesus Christ for all of our needs, we get into trouble. He is sufficient!

91:1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
         Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
91:2 I will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress,
         My God, in whom I trust!"
 91:3 For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper
         And from the deadly pestilence.
 91:4 He will cover you with His pinions,
         And under His wings you may seek refuge;
         His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark. (Psalm 91:1-4)