Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
Psalm 20:7
Lurking within us is the persistent tendency to trust in other things besides God.
We all encounter a steady stream of challenges and burdens. Sometimes, these problems feel overwhelming. Unemployment, financial pressure, depression, a rebellious teenager, the death of a loved one, a difficult decision, a feeling of failure, debilitating back pain, the dream of a marriage, a big project at work, and so much more. Jesus taught us that in this world we will face tribulations (John 16:33).
When we face these challenges, do we trust in God or do we trust in other things? Do we trust our own efforts, our own resources, our own thinking? Do we look first to other people to guide us or rescue us or protect us? Do we rely upon our careful research, our diligent efforts, our network, our abilities? Is our reliance upon the best doctors and wisest counselors?
God can use any of these things of course, and he frequently does. But, in our heart of hearts, where is our trust? Where is our confidence? Is our trust in God to guide us and deliver us, or is our trust in ourselves or other people? Do we feel a deep sense of dependence on the Lord? Do we recognize that God may use some of these resources, but our ultimate trust is in God alone? Do we feel, deeply, that we need the Lord?
God delights in the man or the woman who chooses to trust in him. God loves it.
It would have been easy for a powerful king like David to trust in his chariots and his horses. It would be expected for a brilliant general like David to trust in his strategy and in his cunning. It would be easy for a mighty ruler like David to look to his officers and his army.
But that was not the way David lived. Others might trust in their own resources, but not David. Not the man after God’s own heart. As for David, he would trust his God: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”
May it be so for you and me!