Shift Your Focus

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. – Psalm 20:7

For a period of nearly five years, Erling C. Olsen gave a series of radio addresses on the book of Psalms. He delivered 204 messages over stations on the Atlantic seaboard from Washington, D.C., to Maine. In his message on Psalm 20, Olsen said, “Would God that every Christian availed himself of God’s power… When the outlook is darkest the power of God still works with miraculous results.”

Israel experienced dark moments – the war-chariots were vicious weapons of enemy nations that mowed soldiers down. King David wrote that “some trust in chariots…but we trust in the name of the Lord our God” (Psalm 20:7). As they did this, God won their battles. When Israel fought on their own, the results were not as good.

You may be in more than one battle today – physical or emotional battles that may be depleting resources. Remember, the Lord is able; you can trust Him. Focus on Him for answers. There are also spiritual battles in which only spiritual weapons work. The apostle Paul reminded the Corinthians that “the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:4). Call on the Lord in prayer. King David knew that through prayer the battle was already won.

The Lord has prepared the way before you, so you can trust Him to guide you, though the path may not be clear to you. Shift your focus from the darkness of the issue to the light of God’s Word and guidance. Then pray that those in government would redirect their focus and energies from the darkness of self-reliance to trusting in the Lord and walking in His light.

Today’s Verse: Psalm 20:7

Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
    but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.

All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Recommended for further reading: Psalm 37:3-9, 23-34

Trust in the Lord, and do good;
    dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
Delight yourself in the Lord,
    and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the Lord;
    trust in him, and he will act.
He will bring forth your righteousness as the light,
    and your justice as the noonday.

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;
    fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way,
    over the man who carries out evil devices!

Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath!
    Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.
For the evildoers shall be cut off,
    but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.

The steps of a man are established by the Lord,
    when he delights in his way;
24 though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong,
    for the Lord upholds his hand.

All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.


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