Humanity Failed You Because You Failed as a Human
“You should stop trusting in people to save you. People are only human. They aren’t able to help you.” (Isaiah 2:22 ICB)
Verse 22 serves as Isaiah’s final exhortation to abandon trust in humanity, particularly in light of Judah’s moral and spiritual decline. Instead, Isaiah directs his listeners to trust God’s sovereignty. In verse 5 the way to do this is to walk in the light of the Lord.
I love this picture of light. Light often symbolizes truth, holiness, purity, and guidance in that context—powerful! Light casts no shadow (try to light a match and see if it produces shadows).
So, what can this mean to you and me today?
I thought about my wife this morning.
I think about her every day, so hang on before you judge. In the past—and still a little today—I put my trust in her first. As a result, expectations are set way too high for her, and inevitably, despite her incredible nature, she lets me down. However, when I first trust God’s affirmation, approval, and plans, I can set realistic expectations and thrive as a husband, genuinely loving her as God called me to do.
In his “Cultivating a Healthy Marriage” podcast series, Tim Keller emphasizes that understanding and experiencing God’s unconditional love is foundational for a healthy marriage. He suggests that when individuals grasp how deeply God loves them, they are better equipped to love their spouses selflessly and sacrificially. This divine love serves as a model, enabling couples to overcome self-centeredness—the primary enemy of any marriage—and to serve each other out of genuine love. If you are married or single, HIGHLY recommend this podcast. It has been transformational for me and my wife. If I were single, I would also listen to this! (Click HERE to listen!)
Today’s verse made me think of humanity.
We have so many opportunities to learn, grow, listen, observe, and become. As I observed my daughter, I noticed she developed some habits she observed from her classmates. Here’s the conclusion that you all know: you become the five people you hang out with the most.
This principle does not change because you are an adult. I will add this: if you don’t put on the proper foundation IN THE MORNING, you’ll become the sum of the five things you listen to, watch, eat, see, buy regularly, and do regularly. You get it.
STOP MISSING YOUR TIME IN THE MORNING WITH GOD! Spending time with God in the morning isn’t just a habit; it’s a lifeline. In His presence, you’ll find direction, peace, and joy.
Jesus said it more poignantly in Matthew Chapter 6 verse 33, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
In short, don’t put your wife, children, or humanity on a pedestal. It will crumble every time! Instead, put God there first, and He will help you navigate the relationships with purpose, grace, confidence, and understanding.
For your Pocket
When God is number one, striving is done.
Never Finished Challenge
It is a new year! What a gift we have to experience His mercies every day and to have a new year. Here is what I want to challenge you with.
Take inventory of your priorities. Are they in humanity first? Work first? Children first? Don’t know? Just ask your closest friends. Don’t have any friends? Ask God (also, I’ll be your friend). If you find God is not a priority, change that, and you will experience radical transformation for good!
Don’t miss a morning without acknowledging God. Seek Him first. I get it—you woke up late. I have been there. When you get to your desk at work, don’t work until you have done your Bible time!
“But I have deadlines!” Yes, I know. There is dead in your line on earth. Your earthly life will end soon, so align with God first. This habit will allow you to be your best version of yourself, which then helps your employer and others you work around! They hired you for that reason. You can be the best when you spend time with the Best—that’s God (In His word, prayer, worship).
When God is number one, striving is done. You live with freedom and purpose!
What does today say about God?
If He were not sovereign, death would be, Putin would be, the violence would be, or that comment someone made to me would be. But because He is sovereign, somehow, I am written into His picture to experience purpose, joy, peace, love, grace, mercy...and so much more than language can articulate. Despite deserving death, I received life in Christ.
Thank you, God, for your sovereignty! Thank you, Jesus!