Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. Psalm 20:7
The above verse has been popping up all over for me. I have written about it before, but when I start seeing a verse in many different sources, it usually means that the Lord has more in it for me. So, I decided I better take another look.
The first thing I noticed is that the word "trust" is not in the first part of the verse, and the definition of the word translated "trust" in the second part of the verse is "remember."
The Hebrew word is zakar (זָכַר). It means remember, recall, call to mind, call upon, recount, mention, be mindful of, think on. So, the translation of this verse is closer to the New King James version:
Some [trust] in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the LORD our God. Psalm 20:7 (NKJV)
"We will remember" implies trust, but to me, it is much more. It means remembering all that God has done for me in the past – where the trust originated.
I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember (zakar) your miracles of long ago. Psalm 77:11
When you get to be my age, there is a lot to remember, going all the way back to my salvation.
Then Moses said to the people, "Remember (zakar) this day in which you came out from Egypt, out of the house of slavery, for by a strong hand the LORD brought you out from this place. Exodus 13:3
And even before.
Remember (zakar) that you were slaves in Egypt and that the LORD your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Deuteronomy 5:15
The Lord, through Moses, commanded the Israelites five times to zakar that they were slaves in Egypt. I sometimes need to do that too, remember what it was like before the Jesus came and gave me grace to surrender to him. Before he broke my chains, burst a hole through the wall of my besieged city, and carried me out into his spacious place.
There are so many more times to remember – big things, like rushing our son to the ER because he couldn't breathe or because he was having multiple seizures, and God was there with us and answered our prayers and saved our son. God's faithfulness when, suddenly, we were both without a job for nine months. We had three kids to support and had just bought a new house with a mortgage. But God brought us through somehow, giving us odd jobs, and then a painting job for my husband with a local contractor, making sure that we always had food to eat, and we weren't kicked out of our house.
And then there are the innumerable "small" times when he showed his love and continual presence, when he was right there instantly by my side when I cried out to him. Times when he was my helper in my struggles. Times when he took an interest in even my smallest cares.
I can remember these things when I am down and when I am on the verge of being shaken - things that God did without the help of any of my chariots and horses.
My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember (zakar) you ... Psalm 42:6
And so, my trust is built on a solid place where I can stand. Because, though it has been a long time since I have seen a miracle, I know that God is working behind the scenes. He is always working, even when we can't see it. He never will abandon his people.
Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! Remember (zakar) the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered, O offspring of Abraham, his servant, children of Jacob, his chosen ones! Psalm 105:4-6 (ESV)
... therefore I will remember you
Photo is of me playing the Easter Bunny at a local mall, one of my odd jobs. My teenage daughter was not thrilled about it.
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