Our Pride

Scripture Passage

Psalm 20 (NLT)

1 In times of trouble, may the Lord answer your cry. May the name of the God of Jacob keep you safe from all harm. 2 May he send you help from his sanctuary and strengthen you from Jerusalem. 3 May he remember all your gifts and look favorably on your burnt offerings. 4 May he grant your heart’s desires and make all your plans succeed. 5 May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory and raise a victory banner in the name of our God. May the Lord answer all your prayers. 6 Now I know that the Lord rescues his anointed king. He will answer him from his holy heaven and rescue him by his great power. 7 Some nations boast of their chariots and horses, but we boast in the name of the Lord our God. 8 Those nations will fall down and collapse, but we will rise up and stand firm. 9 Give victory to our king, O Lord! Answer our cry for help.

Focus Statement

In facing uncertainty and transition,

we discover in God's promises the strength to overcome

and the assurance of a new beginning.

Point of Relation

As we delve into the structure of Psalm 20,

I want to share a personal reflection with you.

This Sunday marks a significant moment for me and my family as we prepare to embark on a new chapter in our lives.

In July, we will be transitioning to another church where I will have the privilege of serving.

It's a scary time for us,

filled with both excitement and uncertainty.

Leaving behind the familiar comforts of our current situation

to step into the unknown can be daunting.

The prospect of moving to a new place,

adjusting to a different community,

and the reality of new financial obligations.

For Bernadette,

the prospect of a longer commute to work adds another layer of complexity to our situation.

It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the multitude of changes and uncertainties that lie ahead.

Yet, in the midst of this uncertainty,

I find myself leaning even more strongly on my faith in Jesus Christ.

I am reminded that his plans for us are always good,

even when they lead us down paths we never imagined.

While I may not have all the answers or know exactly what the future holds,

I trust in the promise that God is with us every step of the way.

Things to Consider

Before we explore Psalm 20,

let's reflect briefly on some key points.

Firstly, think about the trust in God's protection seen in the psalm.

Secondly, consider the role of prayer in times of trials.

Thirdly, think about the contrast between human strength and divine power depicted in the psalm.

Lastly, reflect on how this passage points to Jesus.

As we meditate on these themes,

may we gain deeper insights into God's character and God’s eternal plans.

What Scripture Says

It must be said that Psalm 20 is a powerful piece attributed to David, likely written during his reign in the 10th century BC.

Now, this isn’t particularly hard to imagine, but it is true:

Israel was in constant turmoil,

with battles and conflicts around every corner.

The king’s success in warfare was vital for the nation’s security.

This psalm is believed to have been a liturgical prayer,

something the people would recite together before the king went into battle,

seeking God's favor and protection.

It’s what we call a "royal psalm," a tradition in the ancient Near East of praying for the king's victory.

Now, let's break down the structure of Psalm 20.

The first part, verses 1-5, is where the people are praying for the king.

They ask for God’s help and blessing,

lifting their voices together in support.

Then in verses 6-9, the king himself speaks, expressing his unwavering confidence in God's power to grant victory.

He contrasts this divine assurance with human military might,

reminding us that true strength comes from God,

not from our own resources or efforts.

The themes in this psalm are rich and profound.

First, we see the invocation of God's power and blessing.

The people fervently pray for divine intervention,

recognizing that success in battle comes from God alone.

Next, the psalm emphasizes the importance of offering prayers and worship.

It mentions sacrifices and the sanctuary,

highlighting how central worship was to seeking God's favor.

One of the most striking themes is the contrast between trusting in God and trusting in ourselves.

The psalm says,

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses,

but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”

This is a powerful reminder that while human efforts are limited,

God's power is boundless.

On a deeper level, Psalm 20 also speaks to us spiritually.

It highlights God's sovereignty and supreme power.

It’s not just about physical battles;

it’s about trusting God in every aspect of our lives.

The psalm refers to the "anointed" king,

which some interpret as a foreshadowing of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

The New Testament echoes this, portraying Jesus as the ultimate anointed one, our Savior and King.

So, Psalm 20 gives us a window into the life of ancient Israel.

It shows us a community relying on God's power,

centering their lives on worship and prayer,

and placing their trust in divine strength rather than their own.

Indeed, this psalm isn't merely a relic of ancient history;

it's a living connection to our ongoing journey of faith.

When we delve into its verses, we uncover timeless truths that resonate deeply with our lives today.

I want you to consider this:

amidst the struggles of decreased attendance,

dwindling resources,

and navigating a pastoral transition,

we find ourselves seeking assurance and guidance.

Like the ancient Israelites,

we lift our voices in prayer,

asking for God's intervention and provision in these challenging times.

And just as the king in Psalm 20 expressed unwavering confidence in God's power to grant victory,

we too can anchor our trust in the same divine strength.

In a world where we often rely on our own abilities or the resources around us,

this psalm reminds us to place our ultimate trust in the name of the Lord our God.

But it doesn't stop there.

Through this Psalms words, we glimpse the overarching narrative of redemption and salvation that culminates in Jesus Christ, who is our ULTIMATE KING.

Jesus, the ultimate embodiment of victory and salvation,

is the fulfillment of all our hopes and prayers.

Just as the ancient Israelites looked to their anointed king for deliverance,

we look to Jesus as our Savior and King.

His life, death, and resurrection assure us of God's ultimate triumph over sin and death,

offering us hope and redemption in every aspect of our lives.

So, as we reflect on Psalm 20,

let us not merely see it as a relic of the past,

but as a vibrant thread woven into the fabric of our faith.

Let its message resonate deeply within us,

reminding us of God's unfailing love and the victory we have in Jesus Christ, our eternal King.

What This Means for You

So, what does Psalm 20 actually mean for you?

Firstly, take comfort in knowing that just as the psalmist sought God's protection and intervention,

you too can turn to God in times of trouble.

Whether you're facing personal struggles, uncertainties, or conflicts,

trust that God is with you, ready to answer your cry for help.

Secondly, reflect on the power of prayer as a source of strength and guidance.

Amidst life's battles,

make prayer a cornerstone of your spiritual journey,

seeking God's favor and direction in every situation.

Remember, your prayers are heard, and God's sanctuary is always open to you.

Thirdly, consider this passage’s invitation to shift your reliance from human strength to divine power.

In moments of weakness or doubt,

lean on God's unwavering strength,

knowing that He alone can provide true victory and stability in your life.

Lastly, embrace the hope found in Jesus Christ,

the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises.

Regardless of the challenges you face,

Jesus offers you eternal victory and salvation.

Trust in Him as your Savior and King,

and find peace in his unchanging love and grace.

What This Means for Us

In the face of our congregation's challenges,

let's draw from Psalm 20 for guidance.

Firstly, amidst decreased attendance and limited resources, l

et's unite in prayer, trusting God to provide for our needs.

Secondly, as we navigate pastoral transition and uncertainty,

let's anchor our faith in God's guidance and provision.

Together, let's seek God’s direction for our church's future.

Thirdly, let's resist relying solely on our own strength.

Instead, let's trust in God's power to sustain us through challenges. Let Christ be OUR PRIDE…

boasting in God’s power not our own.

Lastly, find hope and assurance in Jesus Christ,

our ultimate source of victory, strength, and triumph.

May you all center your faith on Christ as you journey forward together. Amen? Amen!

This sermon was written by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI. Further enhancements were made using Perplexity AI.