https://odb.org/2023/11/30/trust-in-his-name-2
Israeli Kings of old oscillate between trusting their chariots and horses and trusting God. Usually, those who trust in the latter were successful on the battleground. In Joshua’s case, he brought down the walls of Jericho completely on the instruction of the LORD by marching around the city with trumpets for 7 days. Their reputation of God helping them in battles preceded them, and sometimes half the battle is won if the enemy had already been defeated psychologically. Some Kings fought battles using conventional weapons but with spiritual forces assisting them in the heavenlies and even in the natural. There were times when God created confusion and panic at the enemy camp, resulting in them being easy targets of the Israeli forces.
But in order to trust God, our lives need to be given to Him. That is why some Israeli kings failed miserably. They already allowed Baal and Asherah poles into the Temple. They allowed their people to marry the people of the surrounding nations and brought into Israel their practices, idols and gods. The Kings who reestablished God’s word and rule in the life of the nation are Kings who ended up trusting God and winning battles, most notably David.
We also trust in our own chariots and horses, our time proven methods of problem solving or project or time management. Everyone would eventually develop their own unique ways of managing work. The idea, however, is not to get rid of them but to work hand in hand with God. To pray for God’s hands to be upon us and to bless the work of our hands. We rely on His guidance and direction. We work as guided by the Holy Spirit. I’m sure like Israeli kings who called upon the name of the LORD, we will have better and more satisfying successes as we work with God in our lives. But trusting and relying on God also means our lives are given to Him. Not just lip service but a genuine transformation of our hearts towards Him and the things of His Kingdom. They go hand in hand.
Ronnie's Thoughts 