All throughout history there has been fighting between people. We see it between two individuals, between gangs and clans, all the way up to nations. It has been said that since the beginning of recorded history there has not been any one period of time where there hasn’t been some type of fighting somewhere on earth. If there was peace in one portion of the world, there was always some type of fighting going on somewhere else, even if it wasn’t officially declared a war. Though many of us have never experienced a war of any level, some of you may have, and we can all imagine how terrifying and devastating it would be. Who are you trusting at that time? Your political leaders? Your military generals, and the strength of your army? Your underground bunker, or financial resources in order to make an escape? Our Scripture today, from the second half of Psalm 33, directs us in whom we should trust when the world is blowing up around us.
As our Scripture opens, the author lets us know that those who trust in the Lord are blessed (vs. 12). He speaks of the largest possible group, a nation, that if they trust in Yahweh, including following and obeying His Word, they will be blessed. Perhaps there might have been some time in the past where possibly a nation, the majority of its people, trusted and followed Jesus, but I don’t think that is the case anywhere today. True national blessing is tied to acknowledging and honoring Yahweh as God. Blessing is not rooted in political strength but in a relationship with God. His people are His possession - chosen, loved, and protected.
As we read on, we are told that God sees and knows all (vs. 13-15). He sees all - nothing is hidden from Him. He also understands all, knowing every heart. And He is the Creator and Judge of all. Nations will rise and fall, but God alone rules. This should be both comforting and convicting for us, as He knows our motives, our fears, and desires perfectly. God knows where each of His children are, and what help they need.
Next we read something that everyone should take note of, and that is that no king is saved by his army, and that their military horse or their strength cannot deliver them (vs. 16-17). No political leader, whether king, president, or prime minister, and the people of their nations, should trust in the size of their armies, nor in military weapons and equipment. The psalmist reminds us that we are not delivered by any of that, whether it was a historic war horse or today’s most technically equipped fighter jets. None of that can guarantee a victory. Strength without God is vain, empty, powerless, and deceptive. God resists the proud, those who trust in their own power, as the Apostle James tells us (James 4:6).
Our focus now shifts from the nations in general to the faithful remnant. God has watchful care for those who fear Him (vs. 18-19). God’s eye is on those who fear Him, who have reverence, and obey and trust His Word. He will deliver them from death, and sustain them during famine. This is not a promise of a trouble-free life, but of God’s faithful presence and preservation. God’s care is personal, intentional, and is rooted in His covenant love.
So, if we shouldn’t put our trust in military leaders, armies, or equipment, who or what should we trust in to protect us in times of war and danger? Who or what will protect us? Our psalmist says that the Lord is our help and shield (vs. 20). In ancient times a shield was necessary against swords and arrows. Though today’s weapons are far more sophisticated and deadly, He still protects His children and those who trust in His Holy Name (vs. 21-22).
As this portion of Psalm 33 teaches us, God is sovereign. He rules over nations and individuals. Trusting in our national or personal strength apart from God is worthless. In times of war and danger we should remember that God watches over and sustains the people who have put their trust in Him. His mercy is the foundation of our hope.
In closing, as believers we need to remember to trust in God, rather than the resources of anyone or anything else. God sees our heart, and He knows where we are, what is happening around us, and what we need. The people of the world need to acknowledge the Lord Jesus Christ, and that true blessings come from Him. When circumstances feel uncertain, wait on the Lord, for He alone is our help and shield.
