GOD’S HAND OF PROTECTION (2)

“Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven with the SAVING STRENGTH of HIS RIGHT HAND” – Psalm 20:6

The Believer’s Faith and Vital Victory are not based on natural or human defenses but on GOD’S HAND of PROTECTION: “Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven with the SAVING STRENGTH of HIS RIGHT HAND. Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we will remember the name of the LORD, our God. They have bowed down and fallen; but we have risen and stand upright” (Psa.20: 6-7). This is a Psalm of David, written for the people of Israel to sing in anticipation of battle, that they might put their confidence in the Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; He who anointed their king. God attends to His anointed. When His anointed people call, God answers. And when His anointed people go into battle, He delivers “with the saving strength of His RIGHT HAND”!

There are two kinds of people in the world: those who trust in the name of the LORD and those who don’t. Verses 7 and 8 not only express confidence in God, they emphasize the identity of His trusting children. As followers of Jesus, the Anointed One, we “rise and stand upright” in His Name, whereas, the unbelieving collapse and fall in battle! In David’s day, chariots were a mark of great strength and power. Those going into battle with a fleet of chariots and horses had a significant military advantage. They combined high speed, strength, durability, and mobility that could not be matched by infantry – and yet all of this capacity was as nothing compared to “the name of the LORD our God”!

Trusting in the Name of the LORD is trusting in the LORD, and more. It is trusting in all that God has revealed Himself to be, all that He says He is, and all that He promises to be. When we trust in the name of the LORD, we are banking on God’s reputation – the reputation of His name. To trust in His Name is to trust in the Lord of hosts, King of kings, Lord of lords, Self-existent, Sovereign, All-powerful, All-mighty, All-loving, All-knowing, Ever-present, Unchanging Changer, Creator, Sustainer, Saviour, Redeemer, Healer, Master, Shepherd, Protector, Keeper, Judge, Defender, Provider, Father, Brother, and Friend. King David said “Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth” (Psa.124:8). Solomon added: “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe” (Pro. 18:10).

The temptation to trust in something else other than in the Name of the Lord, comes in at least two ways. First, we can be tempted to believe that our horses or chariots – resources, technology, bank accounts, physical strength, knowledge, or any person, thing, or circumstance – will serve us better than the name of the LORD. Horses are good, and chariots were useful in battle, but both should be trusted to a limited extent. Our confidence, hope, and security must be in the Name of the LORD. Second, we can be tempted to fear something perceived as stronger than God. Chariots can be fierce and terrifying, especially when there were hordes of them approaching to mow one down. The emotional impact of seeing trains of chariots was enough to send an army running into retreat, but for the Saving Strength of God’s Hand!

The Name of the LORD is infinitely greater than all chariot-like circumstances: financial problems, diseases, family conflict, marriage troubles, wayward children, tough assignments, and other huge responsibilities before us. This knowledge puts fear to flight! We trust in the Name of the LORD because, in Christ, we are God’s children who are called by His Name. Trusting is not just something we do. Trusting is WHO WE ARE. Those who trust in chariots and horses will collapse and fall. But we who trust in the Name of the LORD will “rise and stand upright,” endure to the end and be saved by God’s Right Hand of Authority, Strength, Power, and Protection.