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

I have liked this verse ever since I learned the little chorus that was made from it, along with verses 6 and 8. The Japanese says “boast,” rather than “trust in,” but I think the meaning is clear. The whole point is the matter of who or what the nation is depending on. (Incidentally, this Psalm, along with some others that are attributed to “of David,” seems much more like it was written for or to David, rather than by him.) This is a matter of major importance for every nation in every age, as it is actually for every individual who has ever lived. The issue comes up fairly frequently throughout the Bible, but we are all too prone to boast of/trust in/depend on what we can see, and all too often that comes up short. Just this year Putin has trusted in his tanks and artillery, and has been shamed by the much less equipped Ukranians. Actually, any nation or any individual that trusts in anything less than the Creator is doomed to eventual disappointment at the very least. Militarily, right now the US is on very thin ice because, despite having the best military technology, the top brass is boasting about “woke” nonsense like Critical Race Theory and gender ideology. I just pray that the military won’t be put to the test before that is straightened out. On a more personal scale, we all tend to rely on physical, temporal things, like our job or our 401K or even our social network following. All of those are ephemeral at best. We can have everything the world teaches us to desire and still come up desperately short when push comes to shove. Knowing God and walking in obedient fellowship with Him is the only true security, and it is eternal!

I was raised to trust in God over material things, but I still have had a persistent tendency to trust in the abilities He has given me, rather than in God Himself. That can be subtle at times, but it is dangerous. Right now by God’s grace we are more comfortable financially than I can remember in our 53 years of marriage, but part of that comes from reduced material ambition: we don’t want so much. That is a blessing, but the core issue is still the matter of what we’re depending on. After all, even government pensions are uncertain, and the value of money itself is sliding. I’ve got to keep my eyes on my Lord, who has been more than generous and dependable. That includes making whatever use He indicates of whatever He places in my hands, be it finances or anything else.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for how things are going with the photo show. We haven’t had the numbers we might have liked, but You have given us some interesting interactions. I continue to pray that those who see the show would go away impressed far more with You and Your creation than with the abilities You’ve given me. Thank You. Praise God!