Psalm 118:8-9, “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.”
People of God, any relationship must be formed on the framework of mutual trust, mutual love and mutual understanding for that relationship to move forward. And while we should expect others to do what is right, we should be governed by this principle: we love everyone but trust is reserved for God alone. Although it is reasonable to place an expectation on someone, it’s very unreasonable to hold them to the same standards as God.
A very common trap many people fall into today, is that they place others on a pedestal that belongs to God alone. That is why they are disappointed when someone disappoints them, because they have held them to a standard that should only be held to God.
Remember that Jesus Christ was betrayed by men, but He was never dismayed by them. Betrayal could not stop Him from fulfilling His purpose. He continued doing what His Father wanted Him to do – because He loved people and wanted to obey His Father in Heaven. In Luke 23:34, when Jesus hung on the cross, He said, “Father forgive them”. Have you allowed offence to reduce you to an offended state? Have you fallen into disappointment because you placed an expectation on someone that was actually intended for God alone? Have you fractured friendships because you assumed a position of trust and were held in such high esteem that was never intended for you? The good news is that ‘Father forgive them,’ includes you.
Let your standard be this: my hope is not in man’s word; my hope is in God’s Word. My hope is not in man’s promise; my hope is in God’s promise.
With this in mind, if man promises, expect them to fulfil. But if they don’t, it should not derail you spiritually because you have not placed man’s word on the same level as God’s Word.
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, give me the grace to avoid the trap of disappointment by trusting in You alone. Help me to forgive myself and others as I renew my hope in Your Word and promises that never fail. In Jesus’ name, amen.