These past couple of years have been unpredictable. Could we ever have imagined the changes brought by COVID alone, not to mention the civil unrest and political animosity? Early in my cancer journey, a sweet truth warmed my heart. I realized that nothing I was going through surprised God. He knew I had cancer long before the mammogram that showed it. God sees every little thing that we can’t. We look everywhere other than to the one who knows us thoroughly, loves us perfectly, and holds the healing and answer in his hands. Chariots are man’s invention, and horses are God’s invention, used by man for his benefit.
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
Psalm 20:7
Trusting in Man’s Invention
We try to tackle impossible things in our strength or the things and people around us. The Roman god Mars was the god of war and fighting. In my poem, Mars symbolizes trusting in earthly strength. Maybe we look for someone else to be our rescuer or help, such as a friend, spouse, political party, or leader. We might rely on looks, deception, intelligence, charm, charisma, power, influence, manipulation, or money. However, if we live long enough, we will encounter at least one battle where those things fail miserably. We might hold our trust only in medicine or treatment, but I did my best when I trusted God.
It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.
Psalm 118:8-9
Trusting in the Mystical
The father of Mars is Jupiter and was equivalent to the Greek god Zeus. He established religious laws and government, divided out justice, and executed the justice. His subjects trembled in fear at the thought of his anger. Mars symbolizes trusting in processes, or things conjured up or created by God’s creations, us. Some of us look to the earth, the stars, horoscopes, fortune tellers, and the occult. Today, we may be tempted to use those things, but they are creations of the creation. The occult creates separation between God and us, but God doesn’t want one. He has granted us full access through the sacrifice of the cross.
Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart,And do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].
Proverbs 3:5-6
All-Access Pass
Have you ever wanted to meet the author of your favorite book? I must admit, I get a little starstruck. I’ve wanted to meet people who can spin their words to create powerful, meaningful, beautiful worlds, characters, and themes. We can think of life the same way. We have an all-access pass to God. You can trust in the stars, or you can trust the one who made them.
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:16
