Whom do we trust?

Psalms 20: 6-7

Introduction

The people about whom Psalmist mentions in this Psalm have put their trust in their military equipment as the people of our world put their trust on their wealth or on the things they possess and earned. In contrast Psalmist’s unshakable trust in the Lord gave him a hope that he would have an overwhelming victory against his enemies. Furthermore On the basis of his faith he was greatly convinced that the Lord would answer and save him at the time of his trouble. Thus Psalmist was certain God would save those who trust in Him.  

Whom do we trust?

Verse 7 of this Psalm says, “Some boast in chariots, and some in horses; But we will boast in the name of the Lord, our God.” Some translators translated the Hebrew word “zochrim” as “boast” which really means “remember”.  Some translations of the Bible actually say remember, and others use trust.  The point is, whom do we remember to call on in times of trouble? The word for “chariots” is “rechavot”.  Today, a similar word, “rechev”, is used to mean “vehicle”.  Horses are simply horses.  The use of these words here, symbolize power.  Chariots and horses invoke pictures of a mighty army.  The question posed in the Psalm, and its obvious answer, is “Who will save us?  Only the Lord can do so.”  Armies often fail, but the God of Hosts is our refuge and strength. Verse 6 tells us only the Lord has power to save His faithful and anointed ones. Whom do you put your trust in?  Remember what happened to Pharaoh’s chariots and horses, and indeed His whole army?  We need to be able to say, along with Moses and the children of Israel as they fled Egypt, “We will boast in the name of the Lord, our God.”

But I will trust in the name of the Lord

It is evident from Psalm 20:6-7 David trusted in God's "name" trusting in His name means putting our trust in His nature, His reputation and character.  A line in the song “Unseen Hand” goes like this, “There is an unseen hand for me that guides in ways I cannot see. And some sweet day I’ll take my stand, still holding to the unseen hand.” God’s power is like an unseen hand, we cannot exactly see the divine power, but we can experience its effect in our lives. A man went fishing on the River in the spring time. The water was raging, so rather than rowing, he tied his boat to a tree and let the rope out so the boat could get offshore. The line untied from the tree and the boat was swept away, only to be dashed to pieces on a rock. Clinging to the wreckage the fisherman cried for help as he was being swept along. A passerby saw his plight and raced ahead to a small bridge. Lying down, the rescuer hung his arm over the side of the bridge and yelled, “grab my hand.” The fisherman, both arms wrapped around the wreckage, did not know if he trusted the unseen rescuer enough to let go. Fortunately, he let go with one arm and clutched the rescuer’s hand and was pulled to safety.

Like the unseen rescuer in the story God is able and He is always available to rescue the faithful people who put their trust in Him. There are ample of evidences in the Scripture that portray God’s vastness of power. Above all His power was proved in the victory of His son Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. Paul describes God’s saving power in this way “The Lord is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work in us” (Eph 3:20). His power is at work in us and allows us to have life, and to have it to the full (John 10:10). God is able to save us from the power of sins and from all the sufferings and difficulties we are facing right now. Yes He is able to do all - above all - abundantly above all - exceeding abundantly above all!

Conclusion

When we are being swept away in the torrents of sin and tribulation, do we trust enough in the power of God to reach for His unseen hand? So what will you choose? On whom we trust on Horses and chariots or in the saving Power of God? Remember a believing obedient trust in God and in His name is the surest way both to preferment and to establishment, to rise and to stand upright, and this will stand us instead when creature-confidences fail those that depend upon them.

The facts about the storms you face

MARK 6:45-51

Introduction

This text reminds us the fact that Jesus is the ultimate source of our peace. The storm, fear of death and despair greatly disturbed their peace and made their soul restless. The fear of disciples in this context parallels the fear we face in our lives at times. Though we may have never been in a ship during a storm on the Sea of Galilee, we all get into storms from time to time. When we do, first we can count on Jesus to come to our rescue as He did for those 12 men in that boat. Second the storms that we face are under His control, they are part of His plan and they are temporal. The disciple in the boat were afraid of fear and death Jesus appeared to them in the midst of their and said unto them "Be of good cheer", it was as if He were saying to every one of us, "Do not fear the storms of life!" That is a lot easier to say than it is to do, but there are several good reasons why we should refuse to fear the storms life brings our way.

I. V. 48; 51 Storms Are Under His Control

The disciples are terrified. They are struggling, and they are afraid that they are going to die. Jesus, however, uses the very thing they fear as a means to come to them. He demonstrated His control over their situation by walking on the water and later by calming the storm. We serve a mighty big God! Job describes His power like this, Job 9:5-13. There are times when life appears out of control, but let me remind every child of God today that Jesus is still in control of your life. He is still walking on the waves of your stormy life and has the power to calm those waves at His will. Therefore, He is absolutely worthy of our trust and of our faith. He is in control!

II. V. 45 Storms Are Part Of His Plan For Our Lives

The disciples were out there in that boat in the middle of that storm simply because they were in the will of God. They were in the storm because Jesus sent them there! Look out for these preachers who tell you that it is never God's will for the child of God to suffer or go through tough times. They are preaching a lie and are false prophets! The truth is, storms are to be expected, but not feared. They have been sent to us to help us grow more into the image of the Lord Jesus - 2 Cor. 4:17. There are 2 things to remember during any stormy time of life: 1. God knows where we are and what we are facing - Job 23:10 2. God allows what He does for our good and for His glory - Rom. 8:28

III. V. 51 Storms Are Always Of Limited Duration

I am sure the Disciples thought that they were finished. It probably appeared to them that this storm wasn't going to end before they themselves have perished in its fury. However, when Jesus came on the scene, He was able to show them that there is always an end to the storm. Never forget that this storm that you are in today, or the one you may face tomorrow did not come to stay, but they all just came to pass.

Conclusion

Dear friends fear takes a different shape for everyone some fear old age, others fear disease, some fear dying, others poverty. Whatever name we attach to it, the fact remains that we are all afflicted from time to time by fear. In all honesty, we would have to admit that most of the time our fears do not materialize. We worry over things that never come to pass in our lives. When the storms of life are raging, always remember that Jesus is there for you. He longs to comfort your heart and replace your fears with His perfect peace - Phil. 4:6-7; John 14:27. To do this, you must first be willing to cast you cares onto Him and to come to Him by faith, 1 Pet. 5:7; Matt. 11:28. As your life unfolds, do not make Jesus your last resort; rather make Him your first resort. God Bless you

Yours in His service

G. Paulraj