by Darcia Kunkel

Reliance upon the Lord.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

This coat rack rests on the wall near our back-door. It has supported coats, hats, dog leashes, wet towels, and an assortment of other items. I like the rustic Colorado theme, so we kept it throughout our many years of military travel. It moves from house to house, but still performs the same job…to keep stuff off the floor.

I once worked for a financial lending company whose stock went public. My employer prior to that analyzed stocks. One of their analysts followed the financial sector. I remember him saying “I’d hang my hat on that stock…it is solid.” Low and behold, our stock took a tumble at one point, and the company was sold. That analyst’s career did not fare well, as many people had put their faith, and money, in his word and the stability of the company.

To “hang your hat” on something is to place full faith in it…to believe, trust and depend upon it. When I put my faith in that of this world, I am often let down. I watch people invest all their time, and energy, into their job, children, spouse, physical fitness, and financial security. While these are important, and meaningful, if you put your trust into only earthly pursuits you will be let down. Leaders, jobs, health, financial security, and family all come and go. If you commit everything you have only to these endeavors you will be left disappointed and unfulfilled. It is why individuals who seem to “have it all” are often miserable.

The book of Proverbs encourages us to trust in the Lord, and not to follow our own understanding and desires. If we acknowledge Him in all areas of our life, our paths will be made known.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6, English Standard Version

Lord, please help me to always trust in you. For this world comes, and goes, but your truth and salvation remain.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado