What Do We Trust?

7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. 8 They Collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright. – Psalm 20:7-8

I have been staring at a blank page for close to an hour. My mind was greeted this morning by a flood of half-thoughts and full yawns, making it difficult to start or finish anything of substance. Writing is more of a craft than a talent. It takes hours of work and a stubborn desire to show up at your desk, even when you do not want to. At times like these where I lack inspiration, I often return to the Psalms or Proverbs. Odds are, something will stand out as I comb the pages of various phrases illuminated under neon highlighter. Today was one of those days.

“. . . but we”

This phrase stuck out to me. I love how it changes the course of the verse and illustrates the change needed in our hearts. We are different. We believe differently. We have a living hope. While many are understandably stuck in the temporal, we are called to look elsewhere to the eternal. We could easily update the “chariots” and “horses” in this verse for “wealth” “success” “family” “love” or “happiness”. We have no shortage of things to that subversively fight for our allegiance. I know I am all too ready to hand it over when I know their promise rings hollow. As followers mature, they know all too well the practical disappointment of sin, yet the pull is still as strong as ever. Like a moth to a flame, we continually have to deny our nature – or maybe it is more reminding us of our new nature.

Today, think of what you trust in. Is it strong enough to carry your burdens? Will you rise and stand upright after the dust settles?