Creator, Father, King #123

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

TODAY, WARFARE FEATURES IMPRESSIVE, yet frightening, state-of-the-art technology. Nations can rain explosives from the skies, fire missiles from miles away to pinpoint locations, and wipe out entire cities with the push of a button.

King David never would’ve dreamed of this weaponry. Back in the tenth century BC, horses and chariots ruled the day.

Since the Israelites entered Canaan, they have always been surrounded by hostile neighbors. In David’s era, those enemies were Syria (north); Ammon, Moab, and Edom across the Jordan River (east); Amalek and Egypt (south); and of course, Philistia, Israel’s age-old nemesis, along the Mediterranean coastline (west). Danger lurked at every side. National defense was a top priority.

Yet look at what God told Israel in Deuteronomy 17:16: “The king must not build up a large stable of horses for himself.”

Wait. Hold on a minute. What was Israel supposed to do to defend itself?

Of course Israel could have an army. But ultimately, God wanted the people to trust him rather than military might.

David took this to heart. We see this in Psalm 20, specifically today’s verse—a beautiful exclamation of dependence on God.

What’s It Mean?

Obviously, fighting with horses and chariots is antiquated. No modern-day nation will win any wars like that! But the principle of today’s verse is timeless.

So the question is, where are you placing your trust?

Many people trust in money. They stockpile wealth as an insurance policy against the future (Luke 12:16-21).

Others hope that the next presidential candidate, self-help guru, or religious leader can solve their problems. (Let us know how that works out!)

Others put their trust in good deeds, education, hard work, or their faith in humanity. Many people, often unwittingly, don’t really trust in anything. They just coast through life like a boat set adrift.

The problem is, none of these things will save you from your greatest enemies—sin and Satan. But God can! He sent his only Son to crush your foes by his redemptive work on the cross and offer you salvation through faith.

Don’t trust in worldly things for salvation. They will ultimately fail you. Trust in the name of the Lord our God. He will never let you down!

Now What?

Today, spend time in prayer asking God to reveal if your heart is trusting in things other than him.

Did You Know?

Chariots were used in warfare as early as 1800 BC, perhaps even earlier.