R&V In the Word: Trust God Above All Else

Read Psalm 20

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, 

but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

Psalm 20:7 NIV

Of course what I want is good health, prosperity, and more than pennies in my pocketbook. Of course I want there to be more peace, safer streets, calmer spirits, quieter news. What I want is bread for the hungry, clean water for the thirsty, a balanced ecosystem, fertile soil, oceans that don’t have plastic in them, a future filled with hope for an even brighter future.

Somedays, I feel just like Gracie Lou Freebush, telling the audience at the Miss America pageant, “I really do want world peace!”

That’s what the psalmist wants, too. In verses 1-6, David proclaims blessings on the people—may all these wonderful things come to pass!—and the community nods, yes! The community shouts, Amen!

And then David points to the heavens and says where his trust comes from.

I’ve been pondering a much-loved verse from Paul lately that begins, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons…” and ends “can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39 NIV). It’s the kind of verse that draws a similar “Amen!” from the community of saints. That’s right! Nothing can separate us from the love of God!

But I’m inclined to overlook the first part of that verse. Not even death? Do I really believe that not even death can separate me from God’s love? If so, how now shall I live?

David says that some people trust in chariots and horses. These were the tanks and drones of the ancient days, the battle gear and weapons meant to not just defend but oppose enemies to make way for the wish list of wants that preceded verse 7. There are those in the world who see the possibility of blessings on the horizon and are determined to do anything within their power to seize it. 

But what about me? What about us, fellow brothers and sisters, sons and daughters of the living God? Do I trust in the name of the LORD my God?

If I say yes, if I say I trust that nothing can separate me from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord, then in that love I am set free. I no longer have to defend myself or my people or my land or my God—God has already proven his everlasting love. I no longer have to fight to earn rewards and blessings—God has already said I am secure. I no longer have to battle for ground or win back territory—God has already said that he gives me everything I need.

God holds all things together. He’s the source of all goodness. He is perfect love. Why should I trust in anything else for my security, acceptance, or significance? With that bedrock, I can stand firm in the love of Christ. I can trust in the name of the Lord my God and know he holds all things together.

Points of Reflection

1. We all want to fight for something. What things—material possessions, security, safety, power, significance, acceptance—are the chariots and horses you’ve put your trust in?
2. In this season, where is the Lord asking you to surrender control and return to trusting God right now?

For the Kids

1. What does it mean to you to trust in the name of God?
2. Why do you think some people trust in chariots and horses?

Action

It’s hard to “trust in the name of the Lord our God” without understanding who God says he is. We wouldn’t trust someone just because they said they were trustworthy—we would want to see their resume. Show me the evidence! God gave us both the Big Book of Creation and the Small Book of the Bible to tell us the story of his character. We can find the characteristics of God both in his creation and his revealed Word. Spend time meditating on the names of God in Scripture, the places where God describes himself to his people, the person of Jesus who reveals God’s true nature, and the creation right outside your door. Who is this God we put our trust in? Is he worthy? I think he is.

Reading and a Song

I’ve had the Rita Springer song, “I Think He Is” stuck in my head for days now. If you are going through a season that doesn’t feel much like a blessing and more like a curse, you should listen to this song, which speaks to the goodness of God despite our circumstances.
If you are interested in exploring more about who God says he is, I’m working through a study right now with some friends. Praying the Names of God for 52 Weeks by Ann Spangler is a devotional that explores all of the names for God in the Bible. I expect to have a much clearer understanding of who God says he is once we’re through!