Today’s scripture: Psalm 20 (NRSV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me in this passage? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two before reading on.
My thoughts on this passage (Deb Doty):
Back in the days when the psalms were being written, there were many wars between nations (much like today, I guess!). Kings amassed mighty armies designed to defeat their enemies. The more horses and chariots they had, the better their chances were of being victorious. So, kings constantly added artillery, putting their trust in their weapons to see them through any challenge. They were proud of their resources and depended on them.
But the writer of this psalm — none other than the mighty warrior, King David — put his trust elsewhere. He put his trust in the name of the Lord. Sure, he had horses and chariots. But his trust wasn’t in his arsenal — it was in God. He was proud of God.
It may be hard for us to chunk this down to our time, to our lives. We may be tempted to compare this to the war in Iraq, but you and I aren’t the “kings” in charge of that war, and we’d have to speculate on an awful lot. But I believe that you and I are “kings” over the everyday battles we encounter in our lives. And I believe that God has something important to ask us.
What do you put your trust in? What are you proud of? What do you turn to when your back’s against the wall? Do you trust in your intelligence to out-think your adversary? Are you proud of your good income that can buy your way out of the mess? Do you rely on your power and influence? Your good looks? Your clique of friends? Your family? All of the above? Or do you trust in God?
And when I ask if you trust in God, I don’t mean, “Do you trust in your church or Pastor Jeff or Pastor Tammy or the deacons or the discipleship teachers or Oasis leaders?” None of these is God. Like horses and chariots, these can fail. But there is One who will bring true, lasting victory. Let’s be proud of God; let’s trust in God.
Thought for the day: Think about what you rely on most. How can you rely on God more than you trust in that thing or person?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.