Trust And Hope In The Lord

Psalm 33:12-22

The Psalm selection from this week’s Lectionary readings is the second half of a very beautiful psalm.  Just about every verse is worth looking into.  I will try to pull out some nuggets to meditate on for today.

Verse 12 is a very pertinent call to our country, and really to all countries around the world.  “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord”, the psalmist says.  Do we want the Lord God to bless our country, whatever country we happen to be living in?  Of course we do.  One sure way to bring His blessings is for the people to turn wholly to God, believing in Him, obeying, and worshipping Him alone.  For many years now I have been praying for a great, true, and biblical revival in my country, like the ones here in the U.S. that took place in the 18th and early 19th centuries, where great numbers of people turned away from their sin and gave their lives to the Lord Jesus as their Savior.  Then, and then only, will God truly bless a country.

In verses 13 - 15 we read that nothing is hid from God.  He sees everything going on in this world.  He knows everything about us, including what is in our hearts, our innermost thoughts (vs 15).  That might be a frightening thought to some, but when you think about it, it shows just how much God loves us.  Knowing everything about us, the good, the bad, and the ugly, He still sent His Son, Jesus, to die for us.  He loves us that much.

In verses 16 - 17 the psalmist admonishes us not to trust in man to help us, but trust in God.  Specifically here he is talking about the king (or today, any governmental leader).  And in verse 17, the historical context would be referring to military might.  Back when this psalm would have been written, approximately 1000 BC, horses were primarily used for military purposes in Biblical lands.  For common transportation, people either walked, used a donkey, or if they were wealthy and/or going long distances, they might use a camel.  Horses were used in the military, for cavalry or chariots.  The thoughts still apply today.  Who are we trusting to help us in these troubled times?  Our government? The president or prime minister? The king or queen?  Are we trusting in our country’s military to protect us from any harm?  Times were treacherous back in Biblical days, and they still are today.  The psalmist says that trusting in anything except God is futile.  They can’t really help us, but God alone can.  Our governments may topple, our militaries get overthrown and taken over.  God, and He alone, can only truly help us.  Trust in Him.

In verse 18 - 19, the psalmist again says that God’s eyes are upon those who fear Him, who have a reverential awe and love for Him.  If God sees everything, and knows everything, then He also knows what needs and cares we have right now.  If He loves us enough to send Jesus to die for us, doesn’t that also mean that whatever cares we have at this moment, He will provide and meet those needs for us?  Of course He will.  Sometimes God has allowed His children to go through some rough times, throughout history Christians have been persecuted and even killed.  God sees and knows that, and we need to trust that His plan is perfect.

The psalm closes with verses 20 - 22, where we are reminded once more to wait on and trust in God.  He alone is our help with whatever problems we may face each day.  He alone is our shield from any enemy that comes our way.  Trust and hope in Him.  Rejoice and praise His Name.