Only God

For who is God, but the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God?— the God who equipped me with strength and made my way blameless. He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights. He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your right hand supported me, and your gentleness made me great. (Psalm 18:31-35 ESV). We all know that believers, though they might have been walking with the Lord for many years, become shaky sometimes. The reason is that their faith is not resting securely on three basic facts concerning God: his perfect love, absolute power and perfect wisdom. If we are convinced about his love, we must be equally convinced about his sovereign power as well. That is why Jesus taught us to pray addressing God as “Our Father in heaven.” “Our Father” reminds us of his perfect love, with which he has made us his children and directs our ways. “In heaven” reminds us that he is God ruling over everything that happens on earth through his absolute sovereign power. Being God, he is also perfectly wise and so orders our ways perfectly according to his wisdom. If God were not perfect in love, power and wisdom, our faith would not rest upon an adequate foundation. But because he is all three, we need never be shaken. Faith is a human personality leaning on God with total confidence in his perfect love, absolute power and perfect wisdom. God said, “My ways are higher than your ways” (cf. Isaiah 55:8,9). Only God by his grace can enable us to understand the traits of God’s character. I am often asked “why” God does things. This query is often referencing some tragic event or natural calamity. Certainly it is natural for us to wonder about all of these things; however, asking “why” is really asking the wrong question if we desire any comfort or encouragement in the face of such difficulties. The relevant question is “who?” That’s why the psalmist begins with the declaration of “Who is God, but the Lord.” It is his way of reminding us that there are no deities except the God of Israel. Jehovah is the only God, there is no other. To try to hide behind any other person or thing in the face of such peril is to guarantee failure and disappointment. The conundrum is stated well by Thomas E. Dewey: "Our problem is within ourselves. We have found the means to blow the world physically apart. Spiritually, we have yet to find the means to put together the world’s broken pieces." That answer can only be found in the One greater than ourselves. He is Jesus. Whatever you may be facing today only God is sufficient an answer. History makes it very clear that the promises of God will be inviolate. If you want a steady, unshakable position in the face of trial and challenge, trust the One who is able to make your feet swift, your hands strong, and your soul secure.