Trust in God not in men
May He grant you according to your heart’s desire, and fulfill all your purpose. Psalms 20:4
Psalms 20 is a psalm that was written as a prayer of blessing for kings going into battle. In fact, it is believed by many people that King David prayed this blessing many times as he entered the tabernacle before going out to fight his enemies. It is an expression of his confidence in God’s protection and favor, bringing him strength to stand in the day of war. This prayer voices his assurance of relying on God rather than on his own power or resources. In this passage, David speaks about what he believes and has seen in past victories. He knew that the hand of God lead him as David acknowledged his God in all his ways.
There seems to be 4 themes in this psalm so, again, I want to break it down to help the message stick with you.
1. David calls out for God’s Help and Protection (Verses 1-4)
The psalm begins with a series of blessings, asking that the Lord answers the king in times of trouble, protects him, and sends help from the sanctuary. These verses show David’s deep trust in God’s ability to provide help and protection. The people pray that God will accept the king’s offerings and grant him the desires of his heart, implying that the king’s plans are in line with God’s design. It also shows the confidence the people had in their king because of his faith in God.
Verse four is especially relevant because it talks about fulfilling your purpose. This blessing reminds us that God wants to give us the desire of our heart as it lines up with His plan and purpose for our lives. It is only by seeking out the purpose we were created for that we can live a satisfying and fulfilling life with no regrets.
2. Confidence in God’s Power (Verses 5-6)
The message shifts in verse 5 from a petition to a declaration of confidence. The crowd rejoice in knowing that God will give victory to the king. They are looking forward to celebrating the victory because they trust in Him. The psalmist confidently says that the Lord saves His anointed, emphasizing that God’s power is what secures victory not the strength of the king.
3. Contrasting Trust in God with Trust in Human Strength (Verse 7)
I love verse seven as it is one of the most well-known verses in this psalm because it contrasts trust in God with trust in the power of people: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” It is pointless to rely on material strength or military might. True security and success come from trusting in God alone.
4. Assurance of Victory and God’s Protection (Verses 8-9)
The Psalm ends with a confident declaration that those who oppose God will collapse and fall, while those who trust in God will be lifted up and stand firm. The final verse is a call for the Lord to save the king and to answer when the people call. This reinforces the overall theme of relying on God for deliverance and victory and not on our own strength and wits.
Today I want to encourage you as you read Psalms 20 to be reminded of the importance of trusting in God’s protection and guidance. Be encouraged to place your confidence in God rather than in your own strength or resources. Your loving heavenly Father is attentive to your prayers and your trust in Him. His power is sufficient to deliver and sustain you in your times of need. So the next time you are facing a battle in life, remember to pray this Psalm of blessing and assurance that your trust is in God to bring you through to victory.
Today’s Scripture reading: Psalms 20
1May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble; May the name of the God of Jacob defend you;
2May He send you help from the sanctuary, and strengthen you out of Zion;
3May He remember all your offerings, and accept your burnt sacrifice. Selah
4May He grant you according to your heart’s desire, and fulfill all your purpose.
5We will rejoice in your salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners! May the Lord fulfill all your petitions.
6Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven with the saving strength of His right hand.
7Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the Lord our God.
8They have bowed down and fallen; But we have risen and stand upright.
9Save, Lord! May the King answer us when we call.
The Daily Dose 