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

The introduction says this is “a Psalm of David,” but from the content it seems to me like it was written for or about him. That said, many authors throughout history have written in the third person, so it could well have been composed by him. Regardless, this verse is justly famous, and enjoyably set to music, tying in the verses ahead and after it. The point is an excellent one: some people seek and trust in physical things for their security, but God is ultimately far more reliable. Often God does use physical things to benefit us, but as Jesus famously told us, we need to “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” (Matthew 6:33) It’s all a matter of focus and priorities. We never know what will happen in the world around us. A village in the Swiss Alps was just wiped out when a glacier above it collapsed. Thankfully, the people and animals were evacuated just before the collapse, but several hundred people suddenly lost everything material that they had. And of course, there are things like Russia launching drones and cruise missiles against civilians in Ukraine. Such predations of man are what this Psalm is talking about, but it actually applies to everything in life. As Solomon famously wrote, “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.” (Psalm 127:1) We are certainly active agents in our lives, but God is both the foundation and the ultimate authority. The better we grasp that, the more successful we will be.

I have experienced God’s protection and provision more times than I could count, because it actually is continuous. I’m not to be lazy, careless, or presumptive, but I have learned, sometimes the hard way, that God always has the final answer. Thankfully, that has made me more and more grateful over the years. I am to plan and I am to apply myself, but before and above all of that, I am to seek my Lord and trust in Him. Many things in life are uncertain to say the least, but when I am secure in Christ, I am secure indeed. As has been said, when you serve the Lord, the retirement benefits are out of this world!

Father, thank You for this reminder. There is indeed a very great deal going on throughout the world, and uncertainty seems to reign. Help me indeed rest, relax, and rejoice in You, allowing You to use me however You will, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!