HEADING INTO BATTLE? KNOW WHERE YOUR PROTECTION LIES

January 30, 2017

HEADING INTO BATTLE? KNOW WHERE YOUR PROTECTION LIES

Psalm 20

Ann Holford

Central Truth

The only thing worth trusting is God.

Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
(Psalm 20:7)

Trust in the Name of the LORD Our God

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.

1 May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble!
    May the name of the God of Jacob protect you!
2 May he send you help from the sanctuary
    and give you support from Zion!
3 May he remember all your offerings
    and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices! Selah

4 May he grant you your heart's desire
and fulfill all your plans!
5 May we shout for joy over your salvation,
and in the name of our God set up our banners!
May the LORD fulfill all your petitions!

6 Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed;
    he will answer him from his holy heaven
    with the saving might of his right hand.
7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
    but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
8 They collapse and fall,
    but we rise and stand upright.

9 O LORD, save the king!
May he answer us when we call.

We're all either in a battle or about to face one. This psalm was prayed to ask for protection and confidence when going into battle. Verse 7 says, "[s]ome trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God."

A Bible dictionary definition of trust says, "a confident action based in reliance on, dependence on, banking, being sure of." Not just mental assent, but acting in reliance.

I read this and say, "Trust a horse? Crazy!" In those days, the chariot and horse were symbols of strength. In my battles, I often say I believe God is trustworthy, but then trust in my own horses and chariots instead and wonder why I'm stressed out and anxious.

Lots of people say, "Trust me," but we need to look at their past track record to decide whether to trust them. Investment ads say, "Past performance is not indicative of future performance." But God's past performance is indicative of His future performance.

In biblical times, your name was associated with your character. Trusting in God's name is trusting in His character.

Will I trust the God who:

created the world?
rescued His people from slavery in Egypt?
enabled a boy to defeat a giant?
made the blind see and the lame walk?
opened prison doors?
fed 5,000 people with one boy's lunch?
will never leave me or forsake me?
loves me with an unfailing love?
allowed His beloved Son Jesus to die a criminal's death on a cross so I can live with Him forever?
will return someday to make all things right?

Or do I say, "No, I'll take my chances trusting in myself, the oval office, my job, education, family, social network, credit cards"? It's great to have, to use, and to enjoy those things, but do not trust in them. Horses can stumble, and chariots can crash. Only God is able to steer a course through my battles and yours.

The more we trust Him, the more we'll trust Him.

Prove true the words from an old hymn: "They who trust Him wholly find Him wholly true."

1. What battles are you facing today? How can you look back on God's faithfulness in the past to give you confidence to trust Him today?

2. What are your horses and chariots, things of the world that you tend to trust in? How have they failed you in the past?

3. What aspects of God's character help you trust in Him?

4. The only way we really know what God is like is through knowing what the Bible says, not forming our ideas of Him through what we hear people say or what makes sense to us. Having people with whom we can process God's Word can make it real in our lives. Will you consider being part of a Bible study or talking about the Bible with friends or your community group?