Some trust in chariots

“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.”Psalm 20:7

Reflection

In David's day, chariots and horses were the most advanced military power there was. An army with war chariots seemed invincible. And, in the midst of that setting, the psalmist declares: "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God." The contrast is clear. On one side, the visible, measured, impressive resources. On the other, the name of the Lord, invisible but faithful. And Israel chooses the second.

Today no one trusts in horses, but we all have our chariots. They change form: the bank account, the diploma, the position, the connections, the technology, the well-made plan, health, appearance, accumulated experience. None of this is evil in itself, and God often uses these resources. The problem begins when we come to trust them as if they were our final security. When the chariot breaks, and all of them break someday, whoever trusted in it is left without ground.

Note also the verb: "we will remember the name of the LORD". In the biblical world, the name expresses character. To remember God's name is to remember who He is: faithful, powerful, merciful, the God who delivered in times past. Trust, here, is not a vague feeling, it is active memory. When pressure comes, the heart tends to look to the chariots. The psalmist chooses to recall God's deeds and character, and it is from that remembering that steadiness is born.

Today, make an honest list of your "chariots": what you have been trusting. Thank God for them, because they are gifts, but ask sincerely: if this were missing, where would my security be? Then write three names or attributes of God you want to remember (Shepherd, Rock, Provider, Refuge). Repeat them when anxiety tightens. You can use the chariots without placing your trust in them. Keep your trust for the One who never breaks.

Bible text: King James Version (public domain).