What does Psalm 118:8 mean?

It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. — Psalm 118:8 KJV

It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans. — Psalm 118:8 NIV

Reflection on Verse for Today

This verse resonates deeply as it underscores the importance of anchoring our trust and hope in the Lord, rather than solely in fellow human beings. It doesn’t negate the value or importance of human relationships, but rather, it emphasizes where our ultimate trust and hope should reside – in the Lord, who is the eternal and unchanging source of strength and refuge.

Human relationships are important and valuable, and they play a crucial role in our lives. We learn, grow, and find comfort in the companionship of others. However, humans, being fallible and changeable, may fail us or let us down from time to time, whether it is intentional or unintentional. Moreover, our own understanding and perceptions are limited and sometimes erroneous.

Contrastingly, God’s faithfulness, wisdom, and love are unending and never fail. He sees the bigger picture, and His plans for us are always for our good, even if we may not understand them at times. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Therefore, placing our trust in God rather than relying solely on human understanding or abilities provides us with a firm, unshakeable foundation.

This verse also teaches us about the sovereignty and providence of God. Our faith teaches us that God is always in control, even when we don’t comprehend the circumstances around us. Taking refuge in God means entrusting Him with our lives, our futures, our dreams, and our fears, and believing in His power and goodness even amidst uncertainties.

Taking refuge in the Lord brings peace and comfort that surpasses human understanding. It means surrendering control and allowing God to work in our lives in His perfect timing, according to His perfect plan.

Let us therefore reassess where we have placed our trust. Let’s remember that while people can provide support and help, our ultimate trust should be in God. Let’s strive to deepen our relationship with Him, leaning on His strength and taking refuge in His love and wisdom. This way, we can navigate the ups and downs of life with peace and assurance, knowing that our trust is in the unchanging, faithful, and sovereign God.

My Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, I come before You today, humbly acknowledging Your sovereignty and faithfulness. I am grateful for Your steadfast love and mercy, and for Your promise of refuge and strength. Today, I meditate on the words of Psalm 118:8, “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans.”

Father, I confess that there are times when I rely too much on my own understanding or on the words and actions of others. I recognize this shortcoming and pray for Your forgiveness. Help me to continually realize that while humans may fail or disappoint, You are ever faithful, unchanging, and reliable.

Please, Lord, help me to anchor my faith more deeply in You. Enable me to trust in Your divine wisdom over human wisdom, Your divine strength over human strength, and Your divine understanding over human understanding. Help me to place all my hopes, dreams, fears, and plans into Your hands, fully trusting in Your goodness and Your plans for my life.

Teach me to take refuge in You during the trials and challenges of life. Let my heart find peace in Your presence, and let my soul find comfort in Your promises. Even when I do not understand the circumstances around me, I want to be confident that You are in control and working all things out for my good.

Lord, please guide me on the path of righteousness, strengthen my faith, and help me to lean on You more each day. Let my life be a testament to the truth of Your word, and may my trust in You inspire others to find their refuge in You as well.

In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.