Nations, Dependence, and Where Our Trust Lies

Welcome to Through the Lens of EternityThis week in the news regarding the ongoing tensions involving Iran, President Trump told allies, ‘To get their own oil.’We’re all starting to feel the disruptions with oil supply , rising energy prices and economic pressure.A single stretch of water, a single decision, can affect households thousands of miles away.It raised a question for me:How dependent are countries on one another?And more importantly, how should we think about that as followers of Jesus?The world we live in is deeply interconnected.Energy flows across borders.Goods move between nations.Economies are tied together in ways we often don’t always see.Until something goes wrong.And when it does, the effects are felt everywhere.Prices rise.Stability feels fragile.And suddenly we are reminded how much we rely on systems beyond our control.The Bible doesn’t ignore this kind of reality.From the very beginning, human beings were not designed to live in isolation.Genesis tells us:“It is not good for the man to be alone.”That’s about more than individuals.It points to a deeper truth.We were created for relationship, for connection, for a kind of dependence that is built into how life works.And that extends even to nations.In Acts we are told:“From one man he made all the nations… and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.”So, nations exist.Boundaries exist.But all of them exist under God.So, the Bible doesn’t call us to total independence.But it also doesn’t encourage misplaced dependence.Because this is where things can go wrong.Throughout Scripture, we see God’s people tempted to place their trust in other nations.In military alliances.In political agreements.In external strength.And again and again, God warns them.Psalm 146 says:“Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save.”The issue is not cooperation.The issue is where trust ultimately rests.And that’s the tension we still live in today.Countries need one another.Trade, energy, and cooperation are part of how the world functions.But when those systems are shaken, it reveals something deeper.How fragile they really are.And that brings it closer to home.Because behind global headlines are everyday realities.Fuel prices.Food costs.Household budgets.When nations are affected, people are affected.And if we’re honest, most of us would feel that in some way.Some more than others.But enough to notice.Enough to feel the pressure.So how should we respond as followers of Jesus?First, we recognise reality.We live in an interconnected world.Dependence between nations is part of that.That is not something to fear in itself.Second, we are careful where we place our trust.Because systems can fail.Markets can shift.Alliances can change.Supply chains can break.But God does not.Psalm 20 says:“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”Today we might say:Some trust in energy security.Some trust in trade agreements.Some trust in political alliances.But we trust in the Lord.Third, we live with humility.We are not as self-sufficient as we sometimes believe.Not as individuals.Not as nations.And that should lead us not to fear, but to dependence on God.Fourth, we remain aware of others.Because when global systems are disrupted, the impact is not equal.Some nations feel it more.Some communities feel it more.Some households feel it more.And the Kingdom of God calls us not just to observe that, but to respond.With compassion.With generosity.With awareness.And finally, we remember eternity.Because everything we see is temporary.Systems rise and fall.Economies shift.Nations change.But Hebrews reminds us:“We are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken.”That is where our true security lies.Living with one eye on eternity changes how we see moments like this.We are not surprised when the world feels unstable.But we are not shaken by it either.Because our hope is not in the systems of this world.Our hope is in God.And that gives us a different kind of steadiness.A steadiness that allows us to live wisely, but not fearfully.To stay informed but not overwhelmed.To care deeply but remain anchored.Let’s pray,Lord God,You see the nations and the systems of this world.You know how fragile they are and how easily they are shaken.Help us not to place our trust in things that cannot last.Teach us to trust You above all else.Give wisdom to leaders.Bring stability where there is disruption.And help us to live faithfully in this world,with one eye on the present and one eye on eternity.Amen.Scripture ReferencesGenesis 2:18Acts 17:26Psalm 146:3Psalm 20:7Hebrews 12:28 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit benorris1977.substack.com