Looking beyond the chariots

Last time I wrote about boasting in people rather than God. Another translation of Psalms 20:7 says that “some trust in chariots and some in horses” (NIV). This change of wording has a different implication for me to think about. The kings that David faced had big armies and fancy weapons. David knew his enemies had better odds of winning and that they believed an easy win was assured. He was scared. Rationally so too. You probably know what this feels like. It’s like talking to someone about a job you don’t have the education for, a house you don’t have the money for, a part in a play you aren’t talented enough to get. David should expect to be beaten down, maybe facing his own and his friends’ deaths under his leadership.

But then a remarkable thing happens.

David is reminded that the Lord is His Provider. David can trust solely in what his God will do, completely and sharply distinct from the physical appearance of things. He could have had nothing but untrained children with only sticks and stones to throw. David knew personally that even a child with a rock would be enough. If God wanted to see His chosen ones prosper, the ways and means were not a hindrance. David didn’t have to bother worrying over the battle, I imagine he may even have chalked up some time spent seeking his Lord’s face as battle preparation.

I see myself facing some battles that I seem ill-equipped to handle. I’m looking for a job although I have little experience in the field and stopped school short of the degree I’d expected. Throw in the difficult job market and economic issues now, and it’s just looks all uphill. I’m trying to write more, to share some of the amazing things God teaches me daily, although my freshmen English professor told me I didn’t have the mind of a writer. In the vast world of words online, I’m less than the size of rest area along the highway, although I hope to be at least a bench where someone can sit and chat. These issues are two of the opposing armies I’m seeing. I haven’t seen the outcome yet, but praise the Lord I don’t have to keep staring my problems! It has taken me a little longer than it probably took David, but God has patiently been calling me to trust in Him alone, not in the lay of the land ahead.