We Trust in the Name of the Lord Our God
“Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed; he will answer from his holy heaven with the saving might of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They collapse and fall, be we rise and stand upright.” - Psalm 20:6-8
King David knew he was set apart by God to serve the nation of Israel. He also knew that he had a propensity for sin and a lengthy list of royal failures. Throughout his reign as king, David looked to the true King of Kings for guidance. He acknowledged that the Lord alone called him, saved him, anointed him, and established him. Having experienced God’s provision and guidance, David trusted in his plans and purposes. He knew that the Lord was his savior and sang about his faithfulness.
And yet, the book of Psalms also tells us that David’s life was anything but easy. Fifteen years elapsed between the day he was anointed by Samuel and his actual ascension to the throne. In the meantime, he lived on the on the run like a fugitive. When he did become king, David’s reign was marred by bloodshed and warfare, his own adultery and subsequent murder of Uriah, and the death of an heir. One might expect nothing but glory and grandeur in a royal palace, but there was great animosity between David’s children. One of his sons actually tried to usurp the throne! Essentially, David’s life was a mess just like yours and mine. In the midst of all the chaos and trials, David looked to the Lord for help and guidance. He was surely surrounded by faithful attendants and brilliant advisors, but he knew that they were human and fallible. And though he was a king, David put his trust in one far greater than himself.
When David was anointed by Samuel, God’s Spirit came upon him. At the time, that honor was reserved for kings, prophets and those appointed to special tasks. Today, however, all who trust in the name of Jesus receive the Holy Spirit and can experience the power and presence of God. Do we turn our face to him in times of trouble, trusting in his abundant love and infinite power? Or do we look to the chariots and horses of our day?
“If God is for us, who can be against us?” - Romans 8:31
Reflection:
To whom or what do you look in your times of need? What would it look like for you to turn your eyes from self and to place them on the sovereign Lord?
King David knew he was set apart by God to serve the nation of Israel. He also knew that he had a propensity for sin and a lengthy list of royal failures. Throughout his reign as king, David looked to the true King of Kings for guidance. He acknowledged that the Lord alone called him, saved him, anointed him, and established him. Having experienced God’s provision and guidance, David trusted in his plans and purposes. He knew that the Lord was his savior and sang about his faithfulness.
And yet, the book of Psalms also tells us that David’s life was anything but easy. Fifteen years elapsed between the day he was anointed by Samuel and his actual ascension to the throne. In the meantime, he lived on the on the run like a fugitive. When he did become king, David’s reign was marred by bloodshed and warfare, his own adultery and subsequent murder of Uriah, and the death of an heir. One might expect nothing but glory and grandeur in a royal palace, but there was great animosity between David’s children. One of his sons actually tried to usurp the throne! Essentially, David’s life was a mess just like yours and mine. In the midst of all the chaos and trials, David looked to the Lord for help and guidance. He was surely surrounded by faithful attendants and brilliant advisors, but he knew that they were human and fallible. And though he was a king, David put his trust in one far greater than himself.
When David was anointed by Samuel, God’s Spirit came upon him. At the time, that honor was reserved for kings, prophets and those appointed to special tasks. Today, however, all who trust in the name of Jesus receive the Holy Spirit and can experience the power and presence of God. Do we turn our face to him in times of trouble, trusting in his abundant love and infinite power? Or do we look to the chariots and horses of our day?
“If God is for us, who can be against us?” - Romans 8:31
Reflection:
To whom or what do you look in your times of need? What would it look like for you to turn your eyes from self and to place them on the sovereign Lord?
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