- Invite guests.
- Clean the house.
- Buy groceries.
- Set up supplies beforehand.
Then, slowly, as the day approaches, you mark off each item. You've purchased your groceries; your house is clean. Supplies are set up, and everything is ready. But what about the guests? Only a few friends sent in the RSVP. Some said they couldn't make it. Others aren't sure. You don't know who is going to show up, if anyone at all. You feel let down, hurt, and maybe even a little alone. Thoughts shrouded in doubt whiz through your head with the speed of hurricane winds.
I was sure she would come.
Didn't they just go on vacation?
You can't stop by for just an hour?
Clearly, she doesn't like me as much as I thought.
It happens. (Unfortunately!)
As humans, we enjoy being around others. In fact, God even encourages it!
"The LORD God said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.'" Genesis 2:28
"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
1 Thessalonians 5:11
However, there comes a time when we often put "our people" on pedestals. We put so much faith in them and rank them to high levels that they will never meet. Then, inevitably, they let us down, and we become upset. We trust them to meet a need that they can't possibly fill.
God calls us to put our trust in Him. He is the only one who will never let us down. We can hold Him to the highest standards that we can imagine, and He will still surpass them. Moses says to Joshua, in Deuteronomy 31:8, "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."
So as we become discouraged or let down by others, we have to stand on God's truth. How amazing is it to know that the God of the universe promises to always be with us. (Little old us?!) He won't be out of town or have other plans. He'll be there, no matter what happens, and He's sticking around even after all the cake is eaten and the buffalo chicken dip is cold! You don't have to be alone! We can not and should not put our faith in other people. It's not fair to them. God wants us to put our faith in Him. He wants us to depend on Him, and He wants to let us know, that through that faith, we will find fulfillment.
Do not look to your friends or family to fill you up. Despite their very best intentions, at some point, they will let you down. God will not.
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10
