Objects of Trust - Jennifer Matenaer

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. Psalm 20:7–8 ESV

Family game night arrives, and we choose our objects of trust.

We may assemble hexes around sea frame pieces and prepare to gather ore, wheat, wood, or brick. Or we arrange pawns, bishops, knights, and rooks on the checkered board, planning to knock out our opponent’s king. Or we sort our consonants and vowels to create a high-scoring word.

Every board game has strategies to win. And along with strategy come certain items—resources, pieces, or tiles—that we rely on for the victory. We trust these objects to conquer our opponents.

Similar principles apply in wartime. Leaders and their armies depend on guns, tanks, missiles, or bombs to defeat their enemies.

In the Old Testament, the magnitude of an army’s chariots and horses revealed its strength. Armies that relied on these resources had the greatest chance of conquest.

However, God had a different strategy for the nation of Israel. He forbade them from amassing large numbers of horses and chariots. Instead, they depended on the Lord for victory. And time after time, He defeated stronger nations. As a result, the people learned to trust God rather than physical supplies.

King David recognized where Israel’s true strength lay. Their enemies would collapse and fall if they relied on chariots and horses. But if they trusted the Lord, they would rise and stand upright.

Although most do not fight in literal wars, we face spiritual battles. Whether we combat troubles at work, with family, or in ourselves, each attack forces us to turn somewhere—friends, finances, our problem-solving skills. But like horses and chariots, sources that look strong only lead to defeat.

Only one object of our trust will never fail. The same God who saved David and Israel in war helps us in our battles. And although He may not deliver us from the turmoil, He will fight by our side.

Think of some ways you can rely on the Lord the next time you find yourself in a struggle.

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Jennifer Matenaer is a freelance writer and graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary. She and her husband serve in rural church revitalization in Southwest Iowa. Read more from her at JenniferMatenaer.com.

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