Day 43: What We Mention
Read: Psalm 20:6–9
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
— Psalm 20:7 (ESV)
Reflect
In the ancient world, chariots and horses were the tanks and fighter jets. If you had them, you felt safe. If your enemy had more, you were afraid.
Psalm 20 sets the two side by side. Some trust in chariots, some in horses. But we trust in the name of the LORD.
Here is something you would not see in English. The word our Bibles translate "trust" is nazkir, "we cause to be remembered." It means to mention, to bring up, to call on. Literally the line reads: "but we bring to mind the name of the LORD our God."
The verb is not silent. To trust in the name is to say the name.
Faith in this psalm is not only an inner feeling. It comes out of your mouth. When the chariots line up on the other side, God's people speak his name out loud. They remind themselves, and each other, who is on their side.
What you say when you are afraid shows what you are really leaning on. Some people reach for a curse. Some reach for a plan. Some reach for a phone. The psalm teaches you to reach for the name.
Across Scripture
God told Israel, "In every place where I cause my name to be remembered I will come to you and bless you" (Exodus 20:24). Isaiah confesses that other lords have ruled over Israel, "but your name alone we bring to remembrance" (Isaiah 26:13). "The war horse is a false hope for salvation" (Psalm 33:17). And Paul, quoting Joel, says: "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" (Romans 10:13).
Sit With It
What do you say when you are afraid? Not what you believe, but what your mouth actually reaches for. Let it be the name.
Pray
I call on your name.
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.