Our refuge and strength

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.         — Psalm 20:7

In August 2004, Hurricane Charley brought fierce destruction to areas of Florida. During the storm, 25-year-old Danny Williams went outside to seek protection in one of his favorite places, a shed under the protective branches of a banyan tree. But the tree fell on the shed and killed Williams. Sometimes, the places we look to for security can be the most dangerous.

The prophet Isaiah warned Judah’s King Hezekiah of this truth. Hezekiah was a good king, but he repeated the sin of his father Ahaz by seeking security in an alliance with an alien power (2 Kings 16:7; Isa. 36:6). Instead, he should have been encouraging his people to trust in the Lord.

By seeking help from Egypt, Hezekiah showed that he had failed to learn from history. Egypt had been anything but an ally to Israel. Hezekiah had also forgotten Scripture. Amassing horses for cavalry units was against the divine constitution for the king (Deut. 17:16).

Ultimately, Hezekiah did seek help from the Lord (Isa. 37:1-6, 14-20). And God miraculously annihilated the invading Assyrians (vv. 36-38).

Judah made the mistake of valuing the strength of Egypt over the living God. May our trust always be in the name of the Lord our God (Ps. 20:7).     — Marvin Williams

Trust in God and you will know

He can vanquish any foe;

Simply trust Him day by day

He will be your strength and stay.    — D. De Haan

READ: Isaiah 31

No life is more secure than a life surrendered to God.

The Bible in one year:

• Jeremiah 40-42

• Hebrews 4