God is the only constant in the universe.

 Blessed be the Lord! For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him. The Lord is the strength of his people; he is the saving refuge of his anointed. Oh, save your people and bless your heritage! Be their shepherd and carry them forever.

Psalm 28:6-9 (ESV)
 
If the Lord is your strength and shield, none can take you down. If you're counting on someone or something else, you're vulnerable.
 
It's an antinomy. You become strong if you are weak and dependent and cast all your care and hope on God. However, you lose if you are strong and independent and cast your hope on yourself and your resources.
 
God is the only constant in the universe. If we cast our hope anywhere else, we could well be duped. It's one thing to lose when you expect to lose; it's quite another when you lose when you thought you would win. Both are tragic, and the latter is tragic and devastating.