TURNING UPWARD

Isaiah 31:1
“Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help,
And rely on horses
Who trust in chariots because they are many,
And in horsemen because they are very strong,
But who do not look to the Holy One of Israel,
Nor seek the LORD!”

When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Yeah, sure, that phrase is all well and good, but where do the tough really go when the going gets tough? One answer is that some listen to the voice of the age and turn inward to find strength. We have been told our whole lives that there is nothing we can’t accomplish if we just believe in ourselves. While this sentiment makes for a great Disney movie, it isn’t realistic or true. I can believe in myself all day long but that won’t make me a professional basketball player. The reality is that what’s deep down inside of all of us is, well, gross. There is a heart of original sin and wickedness. That heart is the seat of all human deceit. However, what we should actually find when we look down deep is a need; a need for a Savior.

While some turn inward to find strength, some, on the other hand, turn outward. They look to strong people, brilliant strategies, money in the bank account and countless other things to find security. They, as Isaiah would say, go down to Egypt and rely on horses. Egypt was the strong nation that many escaped to and a picture of their strength was seen in their military (i.e. horses). Those who relied on Egypt believed they were unbeatable. So time and again godly people turned to the Egyptians for aid (i.e. Abraham, Isaac, and the nation of Israel). However, they were sorely mistaken every time. Egypt was mighty, but Egypt wasn’t God.

 As we’ve discussed, some turn inward and others turn outward for help, but it is the genuinely wise individuals that turn upward. Only the Lord can save. No amount of intelligence, finances, charisma, or planning can compete with God Almighty! He and He alone is wise. He and He alone is sitting on the throne! Times are crazy right now and who are you going to turn to? Where are you going to run? Who are you going to call (bad time for a Ghostbusters joke?)? If the answer is anything but the Lord, your answer is wrong. I pray that all of us humble ourselves and fully rely upon the Lord and not upon a person, place or thing