Printed on U.S. currency is the phrase, “In God we trust.”  Many of the founders of the American Constitution were Christian believers.  They knew that they could trust God.  In the Bible it tells us many times not to trust in money or what money can buy—but to put our trust in God.  The phrase, “In God we trust” was to be a constant reminder as we bought and sold each day, that in God and God alone can we trust.

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The Bible tells the life of David.  David killed Goliath and then became a soldier for King Saul. David was a man’s man often standing toe to toe, sword in hand slaying the enemy.  In 1 Samuel 19 it tells us that David was successful in everything he did, because God was with him.  David fought in King Saul’s army but Saul was jealous of David’s military victories. Saul sent his armies to kill David.  David wrote Psalms 54-64 during this time of his life. In these ten Psalms you can read the emotions that David experienced during this time.  David confesses to having troubled thoughts, overwhelming horror, his heart was in anguish, and fear and trembling besetting him.  David knew that his enemies were so many, there was absolutely no way he could defend himself.  In each of these Psalms David calls out to God to hear his prayers, to help him to defeat his enemy.  Psalm 57:2-3 says, “I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills his purpose for me, He sends from heaven and saves me, rebuking those who hotly pursue me.”  Further in verse 7 he says that, “my heart is steadfast.”

David cried out to God, and he was so assured of God’s willingness and ability to help that his heart became steadfast.  In Psalm 60:11-12 he says, “Give us aid against the enemy, for the help of man is worthless.  With God we will gain the victory, and He will trample down our enemies.”

A famous painting of George Washington holding his horse and kneeling in prayer wearing his military uniform illustrates the faith of early America.  There are stories of God rescuing the American army from their enemy.  These small armies of America, fighting for their independence, admitted that they were successful on the battlefield because they trusted God.   As David wrote in Psalm 60:12 so the armies of America also exclaimed, “With God we will gain the victory, and He will trample down our enemies.”

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So why did David trust God?  Why did David have confidence that God was able to help?  In Jeremiah 29:12 we are told that when we call upon God and come and pray to Him, He will listen to us.  When we seek God with ALL OF OUR HEART we will find Him.  David didn’t have the privilege that we have in that we have the Bible to read and see what God has done in the past.  David did Jeremiah 29:12, he was intent, serious and sought God with all of His heart, and God revealed to Him who He was and what He was.  God is the same and will come and reveal Himself to all who are 100% intent on finding Him.

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Several times in Psalms 54-64 David praises God for his love and his strength. (Psalm 59:9-10, 59:17, 62:11-12)  These are only two of the characteristics of God but let’s take a little time and look at these two working together.  First, look at the love of God.  Just as a good father loves his child, so God loves His children.  Nothing can stop God from loving us and God will never give up on us. He wants to protect and help us. 

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Now, look at the strength of God.  Young kids think their Dad is the greatest, strongest, and best.  It is so precious to see the admiration that small children have for their Daddies.  No matter how strong any earthly Dad is, he has limitations.  But watch this—our heavenly Father has no limitations in strength.  Nothing is impossible for Him.  David knew it and let God help Him.  David fought for nearly twenty years in incredible battles.  David walked on the cutting edge of life and knew that God was with Him and because of His strength and love He would be faithful to him.  David proclaims, “When I am afraid, I will trust in You.  In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?”  (Psalm 56:3-4)

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David lived in the real world, and as Christians we too must live in the real world.  Everyone will not like us, respect us, or care about us. Many in the world choose to be wicked.  Here is how David saw his culture, “I see violence and strife in the city.  Malice and abuse are within it.  Destructive forces are at work in the city, threats and lies never leave its streets.” David says this about a man he thought was a friend, “My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant.  His speech is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are more soothing than oil, yet they are drawn swords.” (Psalm 55:9-11; 20-21)  Psalm 56 says, “All day long my enemies twist my words; they are always plotting to harm me, they conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps, eager to take my life.”

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The attitudes of people in 2000 are not different than the world in which David lived.  We can live like David.  Christians should trust God, not shrinking in fear and intimidation from the threats, lies, conspiracies, and plots of the wicked in this world. 

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Yes, at times we may experience anguish and fear, but as we turn our eyes off of the world and turn our eyes to God we will know that nothing is impossible with God and He is able to deliver us from all of our enemies.  God is able to cause us to triumph.   As we face the wickedness of the world may we be as David praying  “Hear me, O God as I voice my complaint; protect my life from the threat of the enemy.  Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked from that noisy crowd of evildoers.”  After praying may we say with confidence and joy, “My soul finds rest in God alone, my salvation comes from him.  He alone is my rock and my salvation, he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.” (Psalm 62:1-2)