IN GOD WE TRUST
Carey Madding
Today's Scripture: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” Psalm 20:7, ESV
Theme: Take the first of the ten commandments seriously: have no other gods—not even money—equal to or before God.
MEMORIZING SCRIPTURE
Years ago, I taught Cove 201 - a class about developing spiritual disciplines like prayer, Bible study, and tithing. We also talked about meditating on Scripture and discussed how to apply Scripture to our lives. I often used our verse for today as both an example of how to memorize and apply God’s Word to our lives.
When you try to see what God is saying to you personally in a verse, you look beyond culture and time into the real meaning. I often paraphrased Psalm 20:7 this way: “Some trust in alarm systems and some in firearms, but I trust in the Name of the Lord my God.” Or I would use another example: “Some trust in IRAs and some trust in stock accounts, but I trust in the Name of the Lord my God.” Over the years, through the early years of The Cove Church; through college expenses for both our children; through building campaigns and regular life emergencies, I have remembered that original, almost joking paraphrase. I know that while some people trust in their finances, all I have to do is trust in the Name of the Lord my God.
WORSHIP GOD, NOT MONEY
If I see God as my Source and Provider, then money never becomes my savior or my idol. Money is God’s provision for my needs, not my reward for my efforts. It’s not a result of my planning, though God expects me to both work hard and be a good steward. Money is never the thing I put my trust in, but the thing God has provided and entrusted to me! It is for His use and glory. I use money to serve Him, not as a “god” to be put before Him.
Make It Personal: Maybe money is your safety net, and that mentality makes you hang on to it just a little too tightly. Maybe you put your trust in something else. Look at the verse for the day and replace horses and chariots with your personal amulets of protection. If you are trusting in anything other than God, you are on shifting sand, my friend. Turn to the true Rock instead.
Pray: Almighty God, You alone are worthy of my praise and my faith. I choose to trust You, not my backup plan, my savings, or my credit cards. Everything I have comes from You. Everything I have belongs to You. Help me to trust You...and to use Your money in good and godly ways to further Your kingdom. I am so grateful. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Read: Exodus 20:1-3; Matthew 7:24-27; Psalm 111:4-5; Psalm 37:25-26
Weekly Memory Verse: “...for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.” 1 Timothy 6:7, ESV