1 Chronicles 19; Psalm 20

Some nations boast of their armies and weapons, but we boast in the LORD our God. Those nations will fall down and collapse, but we will rise up and stand firm. ­– Psalms 20:7-8 NLT

The New King James version translates these verses this way: "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the LORD our God" (Psalms 20:7-8). To remember the name of the Lord is to invoke His name in prayer. To pray to Him is to place your trust in Him. That is what this Psalm is all about. In the midst of the battles David was going to face, like the one described in 1 Chronicles that he fought against the Ammonites, David sought the Lord. He remembered who God was and all that He had done for him over the years. He remembered God's power and His promises. He remembered God's deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt. He remembered God's guidance and direction as they navigated the wilderness on their way to the Promised Land. He remembered God's involvement in the victory at Jericho.

Rather than put his trust in armies, chariots, horses, physical resources, or human might, David and his people would take their chances with God. David had had experience with bad odds and lopsided victories. He had taken on Goliath as a young man and won. He had survived against Saul's hired mercenaries, who hunted David down day and night. David had seen the people of God win battles against the Philistines and other enemies when they were outnumbered and under-equipped. Chariots and horses were no match for the power of God. Just ask Pharaoh.

God is the key to victory and to survival in a harsh, violent world. We live in difficult days, just as David did. We have a real enemy who wishes nothing more than our ultimate destruction. And because he is not flesh and blood, our battle with him cannot depend on our strength or our own resources. We need God's help. We need to remember God when faced with difficulties. Rather than boast in our own abilities, we need to boast in Him. Like the people of Israel, we need to pray, "In times of trouble, may the LORD respond to your cry. May the God of Israel keep you safe from all harm. May he send you help from his sanctuary and strengthen you from Jerusalem" (Psalms 20:1-2 NLT).

What are you putting your trust in today? Where is the first place you turn when times get tough? David turned to the Lord. He put His trust in God.

Father, when will I ever learn to trust You? You have never given me reason not to. You have never failed me or let me down. I have seen You step in and deliver me time and time again, but I have short-term memory loss. I forget. And when I face difficulties I begin to put my trust elsewhere. I begin to turn to other places for help. I look for the chariots and horses in my life. Forgive me. Help me to remember You and all that You have done. Only You can truly deliver. Amen