We can trust God no matter what.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
Psalm 20:7 English Standard Version

I don’t trust horses. Don’t get me wrong, I like horses. I think that they’re beautiful creations of God. I respect horses, but I don’t trust them.

Lutheran Valley Retreat, Colorado

Horses are smarter than I am. In fact, horses are smarter than most human beings. They have a keen sense of their environment. They can sense a bear lurking in the forest before the horse’s rider knows there’s even a threat. A person who knows their horse pays attention to the animal’s behavior. It can save them a great deal of pain.

Horses are also mischievous. They know how to knock their rider out of the saddle as they mosey under low hanging branches, or buck them off at a most inopportune time.

They are powerful animals and for centuries people have put their trust in these amazing creatures.

What’s your “horse?” What do you trust because of its power? Do you trust another person, your job, or elected officials? It is not necessarily bad to trust someone or something. Every time I sit in my car I trust that it will start when I turn the key and then deliver me safely to my destination.

Yet the psalmist takes us to a different level of trust. Do we trust that which the created thing over its Creator? Have we pushed God out of our decision-making process because the things we have are tangible and give verifiable results?

Why would the psalmist declare his unwavering trust in God? It’s probably because all that other stuff, the horses and chariots of life, have failed him. God will not fail us. He can always be trusted. We can trust him even when he seems silent. Why? Because through his cross and empty tomb Jesus has proven that God is faithful.

God’s love in Christ is more powerful than any instrument of war. We might experience severe pain on this planet, but this pain cannot overcome us. Christ has overcome the world. He can be trusted.

Copyright Douglas P Brauner