Psalm 20:7-8 - March 2, 2009

Ps. 20:7-8 "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. 8 They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm." NIV

Where do you put your trust? This is a foundational question in life and particularly in uncertain times. The chariots and horses of this passage are an image of the strength of human effort and ingenuity.
A basic response of most people in trying times is to control, to take matters into our own hands and wrestle to work out all of our issues. This often comes at the expense of healthy relationships, true wisdom in our decisions, and a proper dependence upon the Lord. When the pressure is on we exercise power in unhealthy ways, we achieve our goals through anger and intimidation or many other such responses. The problem is too often that we are not fully appreciating the consequences of those actions. Even so today in our national economy human tendency is a powerful economic stimulus package that attempts to solve our national problems through human wisdom and ingenuity. How many families fall into the same trap and destroy their financial future?
In times of crisis what is truly needed is an examination of our ways. James speaks of a wisdom from above and a wisdom that is earthly, sensual and devilish. I cannot help but think that what is needed in times of testing is a turning to the Lord in humility and prayer. Trust in the Lord always brings a redemptive outcome if we are truly listening and waiting for his hand of intervention. The process of trusting God will in many cases involve direction from his Spirit that is hard to face because it requires genuine change but the fruit of godly wisdom is always more lasting. God will always call us back to a lifestyle that reflects a biblical values system as a part of his remedy for the crisis that has driven us to him. The general principle of true dependence upon the Lord is found in the book of Joel where the prophet calls the people of God to humility, prayer, real change towards Godly ways and a genuine seeking after God then God will respond with the wisdom and intervention that is needed.
The blessing of returning to dependence upon the Lord is illustrated in verse 7 of psalm 20 as David tells of the destiny of those who trust in human wisdom and strength for deliverance from trying times. “They will be brought to their knees and fall.” What a powerful contrast with the life of those who trust in the Lord. “We will rise up and stand firm.” Note the contrast. Those who trust in self and man begin standing and are brought to their knees. We who trust in the Lord begin on our knees and rise up to stand firm! The outcome of dependence upon the Lord is an inner strength that flows out of God’s wisdom and strength being poured out into our areas of need with answers that turn crisis into blessing. Study the lives of Joseph, Jacob, Esther and many of the other heroes of the bible for demonstrations of how God moves mountains to be glorified in the lives of those who trust in him.