“Do not trust in nobles, in man, who cannot save. When his breath leaves him, he returns to the ground; on that day his plans die.” (Psalm 146:3-4)

Politics is and has been one of the pastimes of the American experience as it is in many other parts of the world. It’s much like an athletic competition with your team versus the other team; superstars and average players; strong feelings and those who just don’t care; heroes and villains – depending on which side you are on. The political realm has it all and it does not seem to be going anywhere anytime soon.

Psalm 146, near the middle of the Bible, is a passage that can help bring perspective to the world of politics and any aspect of life.

If you follow politics and watch the press whether it is cable news, the evening news or social media, a sense of desperation can often creep into our lives. We feel like if our side doesn’t win, then all may be lost. It seems that just around the corner is the end of our existence as we know it.

Certainly many of the issues that politics champions are important and may even be life and death matters. Many of the politicians who appear on our TV screens or phones are the ones who want us to feel that we need them and cannot live without them. However, look in Psalms 146:3 and let’s see what this sage wisdom says, “Do not trust in nobles, in man, who cannot save.”

Politicians would be considered, in my opinion a type of noble – someone of importance in our society and that many people know. One man or woman cannot save us in the end. Certainly one person can make a great difference in our country but, when it is all said and done, Psalm 146:4 tells us what happens to every one of us: “When his breath leaves him, he returns to the ground; on that day his plans die.”

Ultimate salvation must come from a different source. “Happy is the one whose help (and) hope is in the Lord his God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea and everything in them. He remains faithful forever.” (Psalm 146:5,6) Take a moment to breathe and drink this truth into your heart and soul. This is refreshment to our lives when we can step away and acknowledge that man cannot save and that only God can.

The follower of Christ acknowledges through the ups and downs of life that “He remains faithful forever.” This is done by faith because there are times when we just do not understand why “this” happens or why “that” happens. Steadfast faithfulness to the character of God continues to give us hope and strength to carry on. Then we can pass on this encouragement to someone else who may be experiencing something similar.

What person might you be trusting in today? Who do you depend on more than anyone? Yes, there is a natural and normal human dependence on others that we should have but we must know that at some point they will fail us. The Lord God of heaven will never fail us no matter how it may seem. This is the same faith the psalmist in Psalm 146 has and is calling us to today. Look past the man or woman in politics, sports or in any area of life who may be presenting themselves as a savior and look to the true Savior – Jesus Christ.

By William “Carey” Northington

William “Carey” Northington of One Master Ministries in Xenia may be contacted at www.OneMaster.org.