"Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright." Psalm 20:7-8 ESV
I can recall struggles that had no end in end in sight. I can remember times of endlessly waiting for answers. Seasons of pain even come to mind when I couldn’t catch sight of healing. The longer I waited, the more I felt forgotten, but God didn’t forget me. Instead, He was busy moving and molding, healing and helping, and pointing and providing. From the inside out and all around me, God was at work. My eyes just kept looking at the empty spots. Like me, have you found yourself only able to focus on what’s NOT there?
I wanted opinions to change, decisions to change, and feelings to change. I wanted to receive letters and phone calls with answers. I wanted to see visible movement. However, focusing only on visible progress can sometimes blur our vision.
Faith is challenging because it points us to what we can’t see, which can either be good or bad. At its best, faith points us to Jesus, but faith that relies on earthly proof can lead us astray. Quickly, we can find ourselves doubting God’s faithfulness. At times, I have squinted to see the hand of God, and maybe you find yourself there today. There is hope in God’s Word to lift our heads and refocus our weary eyes today, reminding us that we can stand tall and firmly rest in the Lord.
Psalm 20:7-8 reminds us, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright. I wanted to hold the reigns of my chariot and horse and stay in control, but they only collapsed and fell one by one. My struggle, answer, and healing were never fully mended by human strength and earthly things alone, nor did they yield daily reports of improvement and breakthroughs. Faith is patient work.
Even though it didn’t feel like it at times, God was there all along, and He is still at work in both my life and yours today. Though we can’t always see it, God is at work in His way and His timing. God’s invisibility never means His power and presence are nonexistent.
If our eyes could open to the visible hand of God, we would be astonished. One day, we will stand face to face, but faith allows us to live in awe of Him today. As it says in Ephesians 3:20-21, “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
When setting our eyes on what we can’t see, may our steadfast focus be on faith and trust in the LORD our God. For we live by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Focusing on what we can’t see will either point us to trust in the name of the LORD our God or keep us gripping earthly reigns. We can’t see God visibly, yet trusting in Him leads us to peace and joy. We will rise and stand upright.
Chariots and horses pale compared to God’s all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-present ways. The thoughts and plans of our hearts and desires are so small in light of what God has planned for us. Who needs a chariot when we have a King? What a difference it makes when we cling to Jesus instead of complaining to Him!
Dear Lord, thank you for your perfect work. What more could I possibly need today than your power and provision in my life? Forgive me when I focus on unmet needs instead of trusting in your Great Name. Forgive me for reaching out to visible and tangible things that offer false hope. Lord, please keep my eyes focused on you even when I can’t see your great hand at work, and remind me often that you are near. Loosen my grip on the reigns of any earthly chariots and horses, and help me hand them over to you today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Sincerely Media
Related Resource: Jesus Calling - Stories of Faith
Kerry Washington, Andrea Bocelli, Reba McEntire, Mark Wahlberg, Tony Dungy, and Matthew McConaughey—what do all of these people have in common? They are all people of faith who have leaned on God in both the good and challenging times—and they’ve shown up to tell their stories of faith on The Jesus Calling Podcast. The Jesus Calling Podcast provides a place for people from all walks of life to share the heartaches, joys, and divine moments that keep them going.
Inspired by Sarah Young's classic devotional book, the Jesus Calling podcast has brought encouragement and peace to millions. New episodes drop every Thursday! Listen today on LifeAudio.com or wherever you find your podcasts.
Originally published Tuesday, 12 December 2023.
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