Here’s a three-step program

Isaiah 31:1

Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the multitude of their chariots and in the great strength of their horsesmen, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel or seek help from the LORD.  NIV

Ok … there’s a lot here.

Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help … There is nothing but worry in store for those of us who go back to the oppressor to try and solve our problems.  In my case, if I try to solve an issue myself, or try to worry my way through my lack of control, there is nothing good in it for me.  There’s just woe.

Woe to those who …  rely on horses, who trust in the great strength of their horsemen … so, just because it appears that you have the earthly tools to solve your issue, don’t trust that.  It’s a sham.  He is the vine, I am a branch … apart from Him, I can do nothing.  No matter how many horses or warriors, or in today’s terms, salesmen, or Web sites, or marketing strategies … no matter what I might thing I have in my assets column, if I don’t put God first … there’s just woe.

Woe to those who … do not look to the Holy One of Israel or seek help from the LORD.  God wants us to commune with Him, to glorify Him and to seek His help and His blessing.  By His grace, I have life and everything in it.  Everything I have is His, and, when I acknowledge that, and give it ALL to Him, then He will return blessing upon blessing.

As long as I struggle against obedience to God … as long as I think as I can accomplish anything on my own, there’s woe.

So, to avoid woe (worries):

1. Don’t go to the oppressor for help
2. Don’t trust in your own power or strength
3. Trust God and seek Him in all things

That’s what I’ll think about today.