Faith In Spider Webs?

What they trust in is fragile;
what they rely on is a spider’s web.
They lean on the web, but it gives way;
they cling to it, but it does not hold.
JOB 8:14-15



What do you trust in?

If I were to be honest, brutally honest, my biggest struggle is trusting in myself. As a Christian, I know the One I should be trusting in, but disappointments and baggage often lead me on the path of self-protection and self-reliance. My lack of faith leads me to worry, anxiety, and fear. Because I know deep down that even I cannot deliver what I'm looking for. No matter how much I try I cannot control nor protect myself from the things I fear the most.

An overwhelming thought, but I am so thankful that's not the end of it. Although my tendency is to trust in myself God has shown me the fruitlessness of that labor. When I pridefully think I am in control, I am usually left with more disappointments and unmet expectations. Putting my trust in myself, or anything other then God, is like "relying on a spider's web" as described in Job 8:14-15. I am going to fall. I may desperately try to lean on or cling to it, but it will not hold. It was never meant to.

The first line in the praise song, "Firm Foundation", says, "Jesus, you're my firm foundation. I know I can stand secure." It's the thing I so desperately want but cannot provide for myself. Security. On my own, I am insecure. When I lean or cling to other people or other things, my security is not lasting. It will give way.

I think living in faith is realizing that all attempts to do things successfully on your own will fail, or atleast turn out badly. We need God. He is secure. We can lean on Him. We can cling to Him. This is why we can have hope. He will "uphold you with His righteous right hand" as promised in Isaiah 41:10. And He will not let you fall.

"Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long..." (DEUTERONOMY 33:12)