By David Speas
Psalm 20:7 - Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
Psalm 20 has to be one of my favorite psalms. If you haven’t already, please take a moment to read it yourself. For the impatient, here’s a sample:
May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble!
May the name of the God of Jacob protect you!
May he send you help from the sanctuary and give you support from Zion!
May he remember all your offerings and regad with favor your burnt sacrifices! (1-3)
Much like we might say, "Stay safe!," or, "Good luck!," when parting from friends of family, the people of David’s day would often speak blessings over those for whom they cared. Partially, it demonstrated affection. But, more than that, it was a means of challenging others to trust in God.
We see this most pointedly in verse 7. It states, "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God." (ESV)
Remember, these were the days before airplanes and tanks. There were no semi-automatic rifles or hand grenades. You couldn’t launch nukes from submarines or rain down fire from F-22s. The most advanced weaponry of their day was equine in nature. Horses were their tanks. They were faster, more intimidating, and more agile than foot soldiers. Whoever possessed the most was practically guaranteed victory.
That’s what makes the psalmist’s statement so profound. David, a man of war himself, says, "Some people may choose to place their faith in chariots. Some may choose to look to horses. But not us. We’re going to place our trust in the name of God!"
I hope that REVIVE 2021 has been beneficial to you. I hope it has encouraged, challenged, and blessed you. But more than these, I hope it has reminded you of where your victory lies.
In a world scrambling for answers, our hope is still in the Lord.
Yes, some people may choose to trust in chariots, or vaccines, or stimulus, or whatever. But for the Christian, that's not where our hope lies. We will trust in the Lord!
And that’s an act of the will. It’s a daily surrender to God. It’s a choice to find our salvation and peace and comfort in Him. Much like you’ve learned to lay aside you wants and preferences during this season of fasting, you must continue to choose to place your confidence in God.
And so, to close REVIVE 2021, I’d like to pray a blessing over you.
May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble!
May the name of the God of Jacob protect you!
May he send you help from the sanctuary and give you support from Zion!
May he remember all your offerings and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices! (Verses 1-3)
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we [WILL] trust in the name of the Lord our God. (Verse 7)
If you are following our “Daily Bible-Reading Plan,” today's passages are John 21 & Psalm 20.