The Day of Trouble

When we find ourselves pushed into a corner with serious decisions to make, we often look to different people or ourselves to help us get out of those situations. We turn to doctors for hope of healing, teachers to help our children in school, good friends who will give us counsel, credit cards because we think that is the answer to a financial issue, etc. In other words, there are many areas we look to in a "day of trouble". Even if the people in all these areas were the best at what they do, it is the Lord who delivers.

In Psalm 20 David has the assurance of the Lord's help and strength in the day of trouble. In verse 7 he says, "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. There are several places in scripture where horses and chariots are referred to in terms of strength. Psalm 33:17 tells us a horse is a vain hope for safety..." Proverbs 21:31 says, "The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but deliverance is of the LORD." Isaiah 31: 1 says, "Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, and rely on horses, who trust in chariots because they are many, and in horsemen because they are very strong, but who do not look to the Holy One of Israel, Nor see the LORD!"

The Israelites had a tendency to trust in the strength of their horses and chariots in the day of trouble. We may not trust in those things today, but we do trust in people and things just as they did. The more intimate we are with the Lord, the easier it is to look to Him first in the day of trouble. I didn't say it was easy, but easier.

Our trust in those areas listed above should come first from our trust in the Lord who is in control of these people and uses them to bring about His plan and purpose for us.