Passage: Psalm 20
The Big Idea
Psalm 20 is a prayer for the king before battle: “May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble.” Some trust in chariots and horses, but God’s people trust in His name. Jesus, the true King, read this psalm and knew it was for Him. And He invites us to approach the throne of grace with the same confidence.
Reflections
May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble (v. 1). God wants to be the One we call on, even in trouble we created ourselves. He loves to show kindness by answering. Being our help is part of who He is. He knows my Jacob-like heart, so slow to trust, and still wants to defend me.
Send you help from the sanctuary (v. 2). Help comes from the sanctuary, a place of relationship and spiritual resources, where Jesus always lives to intercede for us (Hebrews 7:25). So why don’t I pray? Sometimes I’m frustrated, sometimes too proud to want help, sometimes wary of relationship. But the only resources that matter come from heaven: spiritual help for my invisible heart.
Remember all your offerings (v. 3). My own offerings are unworthy. I’m counting on God to remember the perfect sacrifice of the Messiah on my behalf.
Grant you according to your heart’s desire (v. 4). What am I asking from my heart? He’s given me a new heart with new desires. Why am I afraid of them? Why do I shrink back from my purpose? Lord, give me faith.
We will rejoice in your salvation (v. 5). You answer so You can be Savior. You want a people who will raise Your banners and worship You in spirit and truth.
Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed (v. 6). This is confidence in God’s character. Jesus read these words and knew they were for Him. Can I trust God like Jesus did? Am I invited to know Him this way? Yes.
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses (v. 7). No machinery of the flesh can be our trust. It must be God, our relationship with Him. There’s no outward fix for our deepest problems. Only the Spirit can do what we need.
They have bowed down and fallen; but we have risen (v. 8). Trusting the flesh leads to a fall. But resurrection life leads to standing upright.
Lord, save! May the King answer us when we call (v. 9). Will I actually pray this? Will I surrender to Him as King and accept His invitation to the throne of grace for help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16)?
Grace Takeaway
What are your chariots and horses: money, plans, people, your own strength? Lay them down. Remember the name of the Lord, and call on the King. He answers.
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