My encouragement today comes from Psalm 20:7-8 which says, “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.”

Most people find their hope for deliverance in times of trouble in their physical skill, power or wisdom. David, the King of Israel teaches us to have a different anchor for such confidence. David says that he boasts or trusts in the name of God not his military assets. The word translated “trust” actually means, “keep in memory or ponder.” For David, the more he pondered God and thought about how God had protected him and provided for him, the more his confidence in God grew. This confidence impacted how he lived.  In fact, this impacted David so much that he turned this truth into a song.

As Allen Ross comments, “The object of his faith was the name of the LORD. God’s ‘name’ is His nature, His reputation and character. David’s faith came from meditating and pondering on the known reputation of God.”

I would consider David to be a great man of faith even though he was imperfect and made terrible mistakes. Yet, the source of his courage and faith and mighty acts came from his dependence upon the God he served, not upon his personal resources.

Father, this is a great reminder for me to ponder. I need to think much more intentionally about how great you are and meditate on all you have done for me in my life. My success in life comes from my dependence upon who you are not my gifting or resources. I am in need of your enabling to maximize the gifting and resources you have given me. Help me to be a man of faith who trusts in you to do great things for your Kingdom.

Following Jesus with you,

Jeff