Ready. Set. Grow! Footsteps of Faith for a Life That Flourishes by Heidi St. JohnSample

Don’t Count on Your Warhorse!

“Don’t count on your warhorse to give you victory—for all its strength, it cannot save you.”

Psalm 33:17, NLT

The imagery in Psalms is wonderful. Over and over, Scripture tells us that we are in a very real spiritual battle. Of course, the Israelites had a physical battle to worry about as well as a spiritual one.

The Israelites were very familiar with the weapons of warfare. So when the psalmist reminded them not to count on their warhorses to give them victory, it was imagery that they would clearly understand. The psalmist was reminding the Israelites that as long as they stayed under God’s protective rule, they would be both safe and secure.

Listen to how the psalmist goes on to explain where they should put their hope in verses 18-22: “The Lord watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love. He rescues them from death and keeps them alive in times of famine. We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone.”

King David, who is widely considered to be the author of Psalm 33, is going to great lengths to instruct the Israelites as to where they should look for help. David was very familiar with war, and his enemies were great, yet he knew what we need to know today. The Bible teaches us that it is the Lord who is worthy of our trust. He is our help and shield, and because of His great love for us we can greatly rejoice.

What is your warhorse? Where are you placing your trust? What are you counting on to ensure victory today? If our trust is in anything other than the Lord, the Bible says it is misplaced. While people and things will let us down, God never will.

Beloved, make sure that everyone who is watching your life sees a woman who does not place her hope in anything but Christ. Don’t put your trust in an education system. Do not put your hope in your children’s youth pastor or in following the rules. Do not put your trust in a friendship. Put your trust in the Lord alone! Ask Him to guide and direct you. When you walk with the Lord, you are safe and secure. It’s a promise you can count on.

Prayer

Gracious Father,

I face battles, seen and unseen, and I seek refuge not in my abilities or resources, but in You.

Lord, You watch over those who fear and depend on You. You rescue us from despair and sustain us in hardships. My hope is in You, my help and shield.

At times, in my flesh, I find myself placing trust in my abilities, relationships, and accomplishments. Thank You for reminding me that if my trust is not in You, it’s misplaced.

Guide me, Lord, to trust only in You and to seek Your direction at every step.

I surrender my worries, struggles, and insecurities to You, trusting in You fully. Help me to always rely on You rather than my limited understanding.

Help me Lord, to trust You, completely. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.