A time of crisis is hovering over our nation like an ominous storm cloud. We wait, watch, and listen for news of pending war, terrorist attacks, civil protests, and economic uncertainty. We are being tested by our times. How will we respond to the challenge? Where do we draw our strength and confidence? What should define us as a people?
These are difficult questions, and unfortunately, many are providing the wrong answers. When King David faced times of national crisis he was inspired by God to declare the truth of Psalm 20:7. In the days of David, if an army had chariots and horses they were viewed as a dominant force, especially if their enemy had none. They were the Stealth Fighters of the day. It was tempting to place confidence in the strength and ability of a well equipped army. But David did not fall to the temptation nor was he intimidated if his enemy seemed to have the advantage of size and strength. Why?
David avoided such things by responding in light of God. David knew that God would glorify Himself through His involvement in the crisis. David trusted that God was in control and intimately involved in each and every situation. God was not a passive spectator watching to see what the outcome might be. No, God always has the starring role. David trusted in God’s involvement.
David also reveals what his strength and confidence was based upon. God’s power, wisdom, holiness, sovereignty, etc. formed the bed rock upon which David confidently stood. He knew he was unshakable so long as he stood faithfully upon God’s character and strength. There was no safer place to be. Because of this, David also avoided prideful statements intended to deride his enemies. David knew that because he was absolutely dependent upon God’s activity for victory he must remain humble even in victory.
David was defined by his faithful trust in God. He trust God above all else, just as he had done as a young man facing the giant. When all else seemed hopeless, David trusted God.
How do we measure up to Psalm 20:7? Do we acknowledge God’s involvement in our contemporary events? Do we really believe that God is glorifying Himself in all that is taking place upon the landscape of our country? Are we confident because of who God is or because we have the strongest military in the world? Are we committed to dependent humility before God or are we flaunting our arrogance before the world as we expect triumph? How are we defining ourselves? Are we a people identified by faithful trust in the God who created all things through His Son Jesus Christ?
No matter what may come, trust God alone – always!
Doug Richey, Pastor-Teacher
Copyright 2003, Doug Richey
112 Pisgah Drive, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024, USA
Permission granted for not-for-sale reproduction in exact form
Including copyright. Other uses require written permission
Back to Doug's Note Pad
