by Brittney Chan
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.
Psalm 20:7
To say that the year of 2020 has been quite the adventure would be an understatement. I am writing after months of uncertain and trying times that we all have faced as Christians, as a nation and, even simply, as members of the human population. The rippling effects of a pandemic have left none of us untouched. It was only two or three months ago when we witnessed individual nations forcing their populations into lock-downs. Tensions rose as weary travelers pieced together plans to get back to their countries of origin. In the USA, our government leaders discussed every thinkable option in efforts to preserve both our freedoms and safety. We saw many people in our communities react by rushing to grocery stores and frantically gathering all the items they considered essential. Packages of toilet paper, jugs of water and bottles of hand sanitizer fled the shelves. Companies cut back on employee hours. Unemployment rates sky-rocketed. 401k investments took a nose-dive. Restaurants created new guidelines. Hospitals developed new procedures. The four walls of our homes earned the new titles of School, Office and Recreational Center. I dare to say that on some level, every one of us felt the foundations of our lives shake in some way or another.
As if that wasn’t enough, recently, we have heard the growing, rightful cry of American civilians against civil injustices and racial inequalities. Some areas of our land have been fortunate with peaceful protests, but others have fallen victim to the violence portrayed in riots and uproars. There is no doubt, we live in a troublesome day. As insecurities rise and faith seems to fall, what can we be sure of?
The conditions of our world are certainly fluid, changing on a daily basis. It seems as if we have been given multiple opportunities to evaluate and then reevaluate our personal priorities and values. The person we were coming into 2020 most certainly will not be who we are on the way out. The good thing about it is that the choice is ours. I pray that as Christians, we will choose to represent our Savior well in these perilous days.
The past couple months have caused financial, spiritual and educational crises, just to name a few. Though we are slowly returning to a sense of “normal;” the truth is that we are going to reap the harvest of 2020 for a long time to come. Many people are looking for political candidates to bring the solutions. Many are seeking government assistance. They will fill our church pews and what hope will we have to offer them?
The psalmist, David, wrote: “The Lord hear thee in the day of trouble...we will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners... some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright. Save, Lord: let the king hear us when we call.” (Psalm 20:1a,5a,7-9)
The imagery given in this psalm is that of an army in combat. Banners were often used to identify which side a particular troop belonged to. It’s evident that David wrote in a day of distress - in the middle of a war, so to speak - and it was imperative for him to declare to both his allies and enemies whose side he was on. He knew that his best soldiers or sharpest swords couldn’t offer the kind of protection and deliverance that God could.
Now, more than ever, is the time for Christians to arise and proclaim the name of our God! In the middle of poverty, we show the provision of Christ. In the middle of uncertainty, we show the promise of Christ. In the middle of oppression, we show the power of Christ. We are in the throes of a battle between good and evil, and it is absolutely essential that we remain on the Lord’s side! Our help won’t come from the most intellectual scientific researchers or civil right leaders. Our help comes from Heaven.
My prayer today is that our faith in God will not waver. No matter our individual circumstances, He is still the same now as He ever was or will be. It has become painfully apparent to many that it’s foolish to trust in the things of this world; but, friend, the hope of our salvation is in the Lord our God!
Heavenly Father,
There are questions on every hand concerning the health of our nation, but remind us again how none of the events of 2020 have caught You by surprise. You are the one constant of this life, Lord. Enable us to cling to the peace You bring and stabilize our hearts in You. Empower us to represent You well withholding nothing.
In Jesus’s Name,
Amen.
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