Psalm 20 - Trusting in the Name

Psalm 20 opens with one person addressing another: 

‘May the LORD answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.’

In Hebrews 3 vs 13 Christians are told to encourage each other. These words at the start of this Psalm are words of encouragement, spoken to someone in distress. The reference to God as ‘the God of Jacob’ is interesting. We meet Jacob in the very first book of the Bible. Jacob had a complex relationship with God. In Genesis 32 there’s a fascinating story where Jacob wrestles through the night with God and at the end of this he is given a new name, ‘Israel’. Israel means ‘he wrestles with God.’

The God of Jacob is a God who wrestles with His people, and a God whose people wrestle with Him. True, Bible shaped faith, isn’t trite with quick answers. Neither does it deny ‘real life’ with all its complexity. Biblically shaped faith wrestles with God, it holds on to Him and it is held by Him. 

It is this God who David looks to in Psalm 20, praying that He will protect (vs 1), ‘send help’ (vs 2), and answer prayers (vs 5). 

Jesus invited His followers to place their trust in Him (John 14 vs 2). Like the faith of Jacob, such trust isn’t always simple or easy. It is a wrestling trust, a trust worked out on the ground amidst the mess and the complexity of life. 

Those who do not trust in Jesus, still trust, they still have faith. However they place their trust and faith in other people and in other things. Everyone has faith. The question is who are we trusting?

‘Some trust in chariots and some in horses,

But we trust in the name of the LORD our God.’

Prayer: LORD may you answer all who are calling out to you in distress. May you send help and protect your people. Lord forgive us for times when we have trusted in people or things. Today we are renew our trust in you. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.