“Some trust in chariots and some in horses,but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright.”

Psalm 20:7–8 ESV

This passage sounds like a declaration spoken before a battle. Chariots and horses were symbols of wealth, strength, and military power. The mighty used them to intimidate and threaten the powerless.

Even in today’s world, nations display their military strength and nuclear power to establish themselves as supreme. They constantly strive to maintain that image, because without it they appear weak before other powerful nations. While nations and leaders feel secure in their power and wealth, the Bible tells us to trust differently—to place our trust in the name of the Lord.

When the people of Israel were freed from Egypt, Pharaoh, filled with anger, sent his mighty chariots and horses to chase them down and destroy them. But the God of Abraham had a different plan for those who trusted Him.

The Israelites were on foot as they came out of Egypt, while the Egyptians rode on powerful horses and chariots. The Israelites walked barefoot through the middle of the Red Sea, with the waters standing like walls on either side. In that very same sea, the horses and chariots of Egypt were drowned.

The Israelites were slaves for many years, while the Egyptians were trained soldiers. The Israelites moved at a slower pace, while the chariots and horses were swift. The Israelites carried musical instruments to praise God, while the Egyptians carried weapons of war. Yet in the end, the enemies fell and drowned, while the people of God rose and stood upright.

The Word of God brings us hope that, The very things that appear powerful before your eyes—God will help you walk through them and give you victory. Your enemies may intimidate you with wealth and influence. Your boss may bind you with authority. Satan may threaten you with his roar. The complexity of health issues may try to wear you down. You may feel that everything you once relied on, everything that gave you confidence, is falling apart.

But the Word of God calls you to trust in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. You will witness with your own eyes the fall of everything that once brought you fear. Nothing shall harm you. You will live, rise, and stand upright to see the hand of God at work in your life.

Wealth is good. Power is good. But what we trust in matters most. You are the richest and most powerful person when God is on your side.

The Bible reminds us: If God is for us, who can be against us?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, help us to trust in Your name above every power we see around us. Teach us to rely on You alone in every battle we face. Strengthen our faith, lift us up, and help us stand upright as we witness Your victory in our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.