The psalmists seem to have had a lot of enemies, and a lot of friends who turned out to be enemies.  Probably they didn’t have more than their share, but their pain and heartache got written down and we are still reading it and still praying and crying along with them when our hearts ache in moments of betrayal and desertion.

In light of betrayal by friends and the treacherous plots of enemies, the psalmist declares that only God is reliable and trustworthy. 

“For God alone my soul in silence waits; from him comes my salvation.”  (Ps. 62:1)

It’s hard to argue with the sufficiency of God, but it’s important that we don’t compliment God by insulting all our human relationships.  It’s one thing to know that people are limited and fallible; it’s another to think they’re just no good. 

But that’s not a biblical position.  The Bible doesn’t say “trust nobody; they’re all rotten.” 

When we get in trouble is when we trust humans (especially ourselves) to do what only God can —when we allow mortals to take the place of God.  
Cursed are those who trust in mere mortals
and make mere flesh their strength,
    whose hearts turn away from the Lord.   (Jer.17:5)
The problem is trusting in mortals in a way that leads us to turn away from God.

People can bless our lives; they can illumine God’s love and grace to us.  People can also fail us and do us harm (inadvertently or intentionally). 

As with so many things in life, our problems mount when we elevate something that is finite to a position that only God can fill.  Even the most intimate relationships we treasure can fragment and break.

There is only One who has promised to be with us “to the end of the age.”

Prayer: God, I have to be honest with you; you’re not the only person in my life.  Sometimes my soul longs for a word from a friend, an embrace from the love of my life.  But none of these fills me up completely.  That’s when my soul waits in silence for you alone – for your salvation.