Devotion #190: Why is God seems to be the last resort?

READING: Isaiah 50 - Israel's Sin and the Servant's Obedience

REMA:

Isaiah 50:2New International Version (NIV)

² When I came, why was there no one?
    When I called, why was there no one to answer?
Was my arm too short to deliver you?
    Do I lack the strength to rescue you?
By a mere rebuke I dry up the sea,
    I turn rivers into a desert;
their fish rot for lack of water
    and die of thirst.

REFLECTION:

When we face different kinds of challenges, Why is God seems to be the last resort?
Why do we rely on our own strength? Our own understanding?
When all plans and options fail, that's the only time we SERIOUSLY seek God.
Why is HE not the first option?

We grow in a very religious country where we are taught to pray, attend mass and do good at all times. No questions about it. Filipinos are organically religious by birth. But  why do statistics shows that we, at some point are not living our country slogan "It's more fun in the Philippines". Many Filipinos are getting depressed and loosing hope.  According to an article:

Incidentally, the country also “has the highest incidence of depression in Southeast Asia, according to the Department of Health (DOH).” 2011 data from the World Health Organization (WHO) showed that “the Philippines has the highest incidence of depression in Southeast Asia with 93 suicides for every 100,000 Filipinos.”

full article here:

These are some thoughts for me is the answer Why God seems to be the last option?

1. We are prideful by nature. - We want to do things our way. We want to boast and get full credit of something/anything that we do, especially if it turns out right.
   
   Psalm 73:6

   Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence.
   Psalm 10:4

   In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.
2.  We think God's way is too complicated. 

• Too good; too serious - makes us to appear to our friends/family or to anyone who knew us that we are being HOLY.
• Boring; no excitement
• Long process - we want things to happen in an instant.

Isaiah 55:8

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.

      3. We are of the world.

• People pleaser
• Sinful
• We love to be in the dark

1 Corinthians 7:31

those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.

1 Corinthians 2:12

What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.

In all of our transgressions, trials, pains and problems, God should be the first to run to.
Family is good. Seeking friend's advise can be healthy. But God should be on top. First in mind. First in everything.

Hard? Can be. But all will surely be well for those who trusts God.

Matthew 6:33 [Full Chapter]

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Proverbs 3:5-6 [Full Chapter]

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

A Blessed week to all.

Jhan