Horses and Chariots and … Trust?
“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.”
(Psalm 20:7)
“Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are
many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither
seek the LORD!” (Isaiah 31:1)
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your
requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your
hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
In returning and rest, you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength: God offered
Judah the promise of protection from Assyria. They didn’t need to look to Egypt to help at all. They could have
trusted God for security. However, the key to this promise is trusting God’s promise means returning. If there is
conspicuous disobedience in our lives, we must return to the LORD’s ways. Outright disobedience is never
consistent with real trust in God’s promise. Returning also has the idea of drawing close to the LORD.
Trusting God’s promise means rest. When we trust God, we don’t have to strive for ourselves. We
don’t have to run all around trying to protect or guard ourselves. We have the best Protector, the best Guard in
God. We can rest in Him, and when we do, it shows we are trusting in God’s promise.
Trusting God’s promise means quietness. You don’t need to argue for your side when God is on your
side. Be quiet before Him and before others. It shows that you trust Him.
Trusting God’s promise means confidence. You aren’t given to despair or fear because you trust
God’s promise. You know He can and will come through, and you have profound confidence in the God who
loves you.
All of these things together mean a genuine trust in God’s promise, and it means that we shall be saved
and it means that we will find strength. No person walking this earth is more powerful than a child of God
who boldly and correctly trusts the promise of the living God!
Ours is not the first generation for whom the need for peace has been a problem. A long time ago,
Augustine experienced this same restlessness. No man ever phrased it more effectively. “Thou hast made us for
Thyself, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in Thee.” The Bible is filled with expressions of
restlessness and frustration, but it also speaks of peace. Isaiah lived in a troubled and restless time, but he said:
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” (Isaiah 26:3).
One last word. . .
“My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For the length of days, and long
life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write
them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and
man. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways
acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:1-6)
Francis Mason
Pastor Mason