Psalm 20:7 – Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.
Think back to a recent moment that stirred anxiety in your heart, perhaps a situation that left you feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or anxious. In moments like these, something profound is revealed. Our reactions uncover where our trust truly rests. When pressure mounts and the ground beneath us begins to shake, we instinctively reach for what we believe will hold us steady.
In Psalm 20, King David offered a striking observation about human nature: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses.” In his time, chariots and horses were symbols of security, power, and military dominance. They represented a kingdom’s ability to protect itself, to win battles, and to control outcomes. To trust in them was considered logical, even wise.
Yet David saw beyond appearances. He understood that even the most impressive human systems were fragile. Weapons could fail. Armies could fall. Power could shift overnight. David’s confidence was rooted elsewhere—not in what human hands could build or command, but in the unshakable name of the Lord.
David’s trust was not theoretical. It was forged through lived experience. He had seen God deliver Israel from Egypt against impossible odds. He had watched God provide daily sustenance in barren wilderness places. He had witnessed victory over enemies far stronger on paper. And he himself had been raised from obscurity and established as king: not by force, but by divine purpose.
This was the foundation of David’s confidence: a God who had proven Himself faithful time and time again.
AND THIS IS THE SAME GOD WE BELONG TO TODAY.
The God David trusted did not change with the passing of centuries. He revealed His heart even more fully by sending His Son to rescue humanity, not from political enemies, but from separation, despair, and death itself. Through Christ, we were given reconciliation, new life, and a living hope that extends beyond circumstances. Through the Holy Spirit, we were given God’s abiding presence: not distant, not occasional, but constant and personal.
So, when life begins to unravel, when plans collapse, strength fades, resources run dry, and answers seem far away, God is not absent. He has never been overwhelmed by chaos. He has never lost control of a situation. There has never been a battle He could not win, nor a burden He could not carry.
We may feel powerless, hopeless, or unsure of the future, but God remains fully capable. He is still able to do far more than we could ask, think, or imagine. He is still sovereign, still present, still working behind the scenes even when we cannot see it.
The challenge for us, then, is not whether God is trustworthy, but whether we are willing to release the things we rely on instead of Him.
Our modern “chariots and horses” may look different. They may appear as financial security, professional success, medical reports, relationships, routines, or carefully constructed plans. None of these things are wrong, but none of them was meant to carry the full weight of our hope. When they do, they eventually crack.
GOD INVITES US INTO A BETTER WAY.
Today, take a moment to name the things you have been tempted to trust for your peace, identity, or security. Picture yourself placing them gently (but decisively) into God’s hands. Not out of fear, but out of faith.
Then, with intention and confidence, declare this ancient truth aloud: “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” What you place in His hands will not be broken. What you entrust to Him will never be wasted. And the One you trust will never fail.
Amen.
SIX KEY TAKEAWAY POINTS
Pressure reveals trust:
Our reactions in difficult moments show what we truly depend on for security and peace.
Human strength is fragile:
Even the most reliable systems can fail, but God remains unshaken and unchanging.
God’s faithfulness has a history:
Trust grows when we remember what God has already done, both personally and throughout Scripture.
God is still fighting for us:
He is present, active, and skilful, no matter how overwhelming the situation may appear.
Modern “chariots” still compete for trust:
Success, money, and plans were never meant to replace dependence on God.
What is placed in God’s hands is secure:
When we release control, we discover peace rooted in something that cannot be broken.
