Everything is bigger in America, including their elections. If you have tuned into any US news outlet over the last two years you would have seen the election circus running back and forth across America. But all of that has now come to a halt as the world awakes to the prospect of another four-year term of a Donald Trump presidency. In his victory speech on Wednesday night, our time, Trump promised to usher in a “golden age of America”. The response from the listening crowd was nothing short of euphoric.
As Trump claimed victory, his loyal followers hopes and dreams of a better future became a reality. However, in stark contrast others have been crushed, as they look to the future with fear and dread. The co-host of “The View”, an American talk show, said she worries about internment camps after the Trump victory. Another commentator said the people woke up with a dream and went to bed in a nightmare. Martin Kettle wrote an opinion peace for The Guardian titled, The shocking US election result will create a new world order – and launch a fresh wave of Trump wannabes. In it he states, “For decades, the US has been the free world’s essential and reliable nation. Not anymore. It could even one day become them against us.” Many have placed their hope in who the next president of the US will be. Therefore, some look to the future with great joy and expectation, while others look to the future in fear and dread. But we must do neither.
While I believe the result of the US election is good news for the free world, there is a great temptation in all of us to place our trust in other people, our plans, prosperity, and even presidents, but King David tells us otherwise. In Psalm 20:7, he penned these simple and timely words,
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God”
For an opposing army there was nothing more fearful than chariots and horses. Armed with scythes they were the most dreaded war-machine of David’s day, which could mow down men like grass. This was the boast and hope of neighbouring nations; but it was not to be the boast and hope of God’s people. They were to consider the might and power of their invisible God as a far better defence. The prophet Isaiah admonished,
Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help and rely on horses, who trust in chariots because they are many and in horsemen because they are very strong, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel or consult the Lord!” (Isaiah 31:1).
How many of us today, while professing Christ as King live in total dependence upon someone or something other than Christ as King? Jesus alone is to be our rock and our refuge. Jesus alone is to be our hope and greatest joy. Let others place their trust in the chariots and horses of our day, but let us, with the simplicity of faith, “Trust in the name of the Lord our God.” He is our covenant making, covenant keeping God and He must never be forgotten; the sovereign, all powerful, ever-present, unchanging, infinitely wise and all knowing I AM. What a time to be a witness to the greatness of our God, as we look to Him, obey Him and put no hope in our world’s chariots or horses or presidents. May the Lord, by His Spirit, impress this truth upon your heart and bring continual peace to your soul.
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