July 9

Psalm 20. Some put their trust in chariots and some in horses, but we will call upon the Name of the Lord our God.

Last year my automobile lease was up and I had to make a decision. I read magazines, test-drove cars, and paid attention when I was a passenger. I especially liked one car that drove smoothly and was deemed very safe. I could feel myself cruising on the highway in my sleek new car. On the other hand, the car’s miles per gallon efficiency was average, and it cost more. I would have liked a colorful chariot with racing horses, but this psalm came to mind. I bought a less expensive hybrid that has served me well. It takes me to work, to play tennis, to friends, to home. What else did I want a new car to do?

The answer is that we want cars and other things to take us to a place where we feel powerful. If I drive a new car, I am young. If I drive an expensive car, I have unlimited money. If I drive a flashy car, I am popular.

Power from cars is fleeting; cars break down and go out of style. Power that endures comes from calling upon the Name of the Lord.

PRAY for the Diocese of Oyo (Ibadan, Nigeria)

Ps 20, 21:1-7(8-13) * 110:1-5(6-7), 116, 117; 1 Samuel 17:31-49; Acts 11:1-18; Mark 1:14-28

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Changing

Jul 09, 2011 at 6:12 am

Written by Chris,

I have had many different cars in my lifetime, had an auto-parking lot at home when my children (4), were teenage. I didn't care as much about the brand or looks, but how it drove and was it a solid and safe vehicle. The power that I felt identifying with some the cars, was that I was more inside than I appeared to be outside. Over the years I have come to realize that I am more than enough because God created me and loves me.

What makes a man?

Jul 09, 2011 at 9:36 am

Written by emeline,

We learn very early in life that "things' do not make us happy and contented. The knowledge of God and the full assurance of His goodness, love and mercy lead us into peace and tranquility. The pleasures of this life are only temporary. We must seek God in all things. We do need the basic necessities of life to make life comfortable for us. Thank God that we can call on His strength.

Power

Jul 09, 2011 at 9:50 am

Written by Sarah,

Money, things, information--all "give" power in our material world. This meditation was right on, and although I agree with emeline on the major thoughts shared, I will add that although we learn early in life that "things" do not make us happy or contented, many times the lesson is not really learned.

Another reading

Jul 09, 2011 at 11:04 am

Written by Norman Hutchinson,

I appreciate all of the comments but when I read verse 7 my thoughts took a more universal turn. In the Contempory English Version the verse is rendered, "Some people trust the power of chariots or horses, but we trust you, Lord God." As Christian individuals who make up a portion of the population of this country do we really trust "...Lore God" or do we trust, "the power of chariots..."? Another scriptre reminds us that we are known by our fruits.

Material posessions

Jul 09, 2011 at 11:31 am

Written by Mary kier,

Thanks for this meditation. I read it similarly, however it rings a different bell for me. I never had the desire for fancier cars. My fancy chariot is shopping! As in " I need this or I need that. I fall into that trap, the consumer industry loves me!
I have to tell myself do I really need that? When I am not centered or am upset I go shopping. What I really need to do is go to God.

strenghth in battle

Jul 09, 2011 at 12:15 pm

Written by Sharon,

Interesting twist on this Psalm. It really isn't about material possessions, it is about where we need to turn to for our strenghth. The chariots and horses were part of the weaponary of battle. Each had its advantage: but like the boy David, conquering the warrior, Goliath, it was not the weapon used, by the total faith in God.

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