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Psalm 20:7 – “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”

 

During U.S. presidential election seasons, tension and anxiety seem to permeate many aspects of life. One observation I’ve made is how relationships potentially become strained under the weight of political differences. Friends, families, and even churches can experience division. It’s common to see heated debates, even among Christians, about which candidate or party better aligns with personal and/or biblical values.

I recall a time when a close friend and I, both deeply committed to our faith, found ourselves on opposite ends of the political spectrum during an election. Despite our shared beliefs in Christ, His Church, and the End times, our conversations became more contentious, reflecting the broader societal anxiety. It was a powerful reminder of how easy it is to allow political allegiances to take precedence over our unity in Christ. As good well-rounded and grounded adults, we chose to step back and remind each other that our ultimate hope and allegiance is not, and will never be in a political leader, but to Jesus Christ, the one and only true King of Kings!

The central question: “Where do we place our trust during times of political uncertainty?”

 

Psalm 20:7 – “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”

The Context of Psalm 20:7

“How easy it is to rely on one’s own abilities! The psalmist reflects on the nature of Israel’s warfare in contrast to warfare in the ancient Near East. Kings multiplied for themselves horses and chariots (v. 7) to secure victory, power, and control (cf. Isa 31:1–3). The Lord had forewarned Israel that their theocratic kings were to be different from the kingship of the nations (cf. Dt 17:14–20). Israel’s kings were prohibited to “acquire great numbers of horses” (v. 16) but were required “to revere the LORD” (v. 19). Underlying this contrast is the belief in God’s sovereign kingship over the nations and his readiness to deliver his own people” (cf. Jos 23:6–11). (VanGemeren, Willem A. “Psalms.” The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Psalms (Revised Edition). Ed. Tremper Longman III and David E. Garland. Vol. 5. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008. 227–228. Print.)

In ancient times, chariots and horses were symbols of military power and national security, but not so for Israel as directed by the Lord. To put this idea into our culture today, these could be likened to our political parties, leaders, military strength, or even economic stability. For, at the end of the day, chariots and horses can be any kind of idols we place our trust in more than God.

 

The Temptation to Trust in Human Power

Why is it so tempting to place trust in human institutions during election season?

  • Elections often highlight the power and influence of government leaders, political parties, and systems in shaping our lives. In times of uncertainty or when the stakes feel high, people naturally seek security, stability, and hope, often looking to human institutions as the source of these needs.

Reasons for This Temptation:

  1. Desire for immediate solutions: Human institutions, especially political ones, offer immediate and tangible promises to address issues like the economy, healthcare, national security, and social issues. During election seasons, candidates often make sweeping promises about solving the pressing problems of the day. This creates a strong pull for people, including Christians, to place their hope in a political figure or party as the source of solutions to these real-life concerns. However, this can lead to an over-reliance on human systems, even though they are inherently flawed and limited.
  2. Visible Power and Influence: Political leaders and institutions are tangible and immediate sources of power that can, and does with some, pull people their way.
  3. Desire for Control: Voting is a direct action people can take to influence the direction of their community or country, which can make it seem as though political institutions hold the ultimate power over our lives.
  4. Fear of Uncertainty: Uncertainty about the future, especially regarding issues like the economy, healthcare, or national security, can drive people to place their trust in candidates or parties that promise “solutions.”
  5. Worry for future generations:  Those of us that are listening right now that are either parents, or grandparents, think about what the future holds for our kids and grandkids.  “Worry” may be a strong word for the believer in Christ (remember we are not to worry…but are to be in prayer and cast our worries – anxieties – upon Him)…but we become concerned that the world that we know, and/or grew up in is not the same world today, and that the world we will be leaving to our kids/grandkids is not, clearly not what we want for them.  So, we need to vote a certain way to protect and provide for the future of our kids and grandkids

 

Trusting in the Name of the Lord Our God

Psalm 20:7 contrasts human reliance on worldly power with the believer’s call to trust in God.

Trusting in God’s character:

In biblical times, a name wasn’t just a label; it represented the character, authority, and reputation of the person. To trust in the name of the Lord means to rely on who God is—His attributes, His faithfulness, and His power. God’s name is a reflection of His character. Throughout the Bible, God reveals His name in ways that demonstrate His nature. For instance:

  • Yahweh (Lord): God as the self-existent, eternal one.
  • Jehovah Jireh: The Lord will provide (Genesis 22:14).
  • Jehovah Rapha: The Lord who heals (Exodus 15:26).
  • El Shaddai: God Almighty (Genesis 17:1).

When we trust in His name, we are acknowledging that His character is trustworthy and that He will act in accordance with His promises as found in His Word. Trusting in His name is trusting that God is faithful, powerful, just, and merciful, even when circumstances around us might suggest otherwise.

 

Trusting in God’s Covenant Faithfulness:

The phrase “the name of the Lord” often reminds believers of God’s covenant faithfulness. Throughout Scripture, God repeatedly affirms His promises to His people. Trusting in the name of the Lord means we trust Him to keep His promises, just as He has throughout history. As Psalm 9:10 says, “Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.”

We can trust that God will continue to be faithful because His very nature is unchanging (Malachi 3:6). His promises of salvation, provision, protection, and ultimate victory over sin and death are as sure today as they were in biblical times.

 

Sovereignty:

To trust in the name of the Lord is to recognize His sovereign rule over all things. It means believing that no matter how powerful human institutions, leaders, or resources may seem, God alone governs the course of history and our lives. Psalm 33:16-17 reinforces this idea: “No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength. A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save.”

When we trust in the name of the Lord, we rest in the knowledge that God is ultimately in control, even when things seem uncertain or out of our hands.

 

Recognizing that God’s purposes transcend any political outcomes.

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. (Romans 13:1, NIV84) Trust is an active choice during times of uncertainty, like an election season.

 

The Outcomes…

Your candidate lost, and you’re a Christian. What do you do? It’s right to lament when wickedness advances and righteousness seems defeated. But there is a right and appropriate use of lament! Psalms are full of lament. 

Check out: Dark Clouds Deep Mercy “This book seeks to restore the lost art of lament in order to help readers discover the power of honest wrestling with the questions that come with grief and suffering”

Your candidate won! Celebrate wisely and appropriately, without being boastful. Also, remember that just because your candidate won, that does not mean righteousness has prevailed. Don’t be overly optimistic… Be sure to temper your expectations. Your candidate is not perfect or sinless. They are also in desperate need of prayer. 

No matter who is in office, we need to remember that God has raised up this ruler, and will depose them at a later date, just as He has all rulers in the past and future. God will use them, in some way, to further His purposes and His good work.

 

Stewardship Application

Trust in God’s Provision, Not Politics or the Economy…or chariots and horses:

During an election year, economic uncertainty can lead to fear and anxiety about the future, particularly regarding taxes, stock markets, job security, and inflation. However, Christians are called to trust in God as our ultimate provider, regardless of who is in political power. Philippians 4:19 assures us, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

 

Give faithfully Regardless of Economic Conditions:

Giving to God’s work and helping others in need should be a constant in a believer’s financial life, regardless of the political or economic situation. Proverbs 3:9 instructs, “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops.” Whether there is economic prosperity or downturn, Christians are called to give generously, trusting that God will continue to meet our needs!

 

Diversify and Manage Investments Wisely:

Election years can often result in market volatility and uncertainty. While it’s easy to become anxious about investments or retirement accounts, Christians are called to steward their resources wisely. Ecclesiastes 11:2 advises, “Invest in seven ventures, yes, in eight; you do not know what disaster may come upon the land.” This suggests a biblical principle of diversification and preparation for potential uncertainties.

 

Plan and Prepare, But Don’t Worry:

While it is important to be financially prepared for the future, the Bible teaches us not to worry about tomorrow (Matthew 6:34). Election years often bring an influx of fear-based financial advice, urging people to act hastily or to take drastic measures to “protect” themselves from perceived political or economic threats. However, Jesus reminds us that worrying cannot add a single hour to our lives (Matthew 6:27), and our financial security ultimately comes from God, not from earthly systems.

 

Prioritize Eternal Investments:

While election years often emphasize financial issues like taxes, the economy, and markets, Christians must remember that earthly wealth is temporary, and our ultimate investments should be in God’s kingdom. Jesus said in Matthew 6:19-20, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”  Recommit to using your resources for eternal purposes, knowing that those investments yield eternal returns.

 

 

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