November 2017 Articles

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Spiritual Corner:

Spiritual Corner:
Horses and Chariots

As humans, we all have character flaws. Unfortunately, it’s just part of who we are, due to our sinful nature. Thankfully though, we have a Savior who made the ultimate sacrifice for our sins and whose beautiful grace and mercy combats our flaws. These flaws that I speak of come in all different forms, depending on the particular person. I’ll admit a couple of my flaws to you now. I have a problem with worrying. I stress over tasks that I need to complete. I worry that I’m not doing a good enough job at different activities. I also worry a lot about what other people think and say about myself and my performance. I become very self-conscious and feel like every eye is watching me, when most of the time the reality is that NO ONE is watching me. I let things get inside my head and can’t seem to shake them. It really becomes very exhausting and trying. I want to be successful at so many things, but honestly, just feel inadequate the majority of the time. If you’ve ever experienced similar struggles, you understand that it is an awful struggle to face. I came upon a scripture that really put things in perspective for me, though. The verse reads as follows:
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” –Psalm 20:7
After I read this scripture, it made me stop and think for a few seconds. During those times where I am stressing out or worrying, what am I trusting in? Or who am I trusting in? Am I trusting in my husband to take all of my stresses away and to uplift me and encourage me? There’s nothing wrong with him helping with this burden, but to trust him to carry it all is unfair, since there is only ONE who can carry all of our heavy burdens. (Matthew 11:28-30) Am I trusting in my own abilities to perform well as a teacher or as a coach? If so, that’s sure a scary thought, as I feel like I continue to learn every day as I go, rather than being seasoned and experienced. When I compete in a barrel run, am I trusting my horse to keep me safe? That may not be the best idea, as a mere slip of the hoof could cause a crash. I say all of this to make a point. When we are trusting in anything or anyone other than God, we are going to be plagued with worry, doubt, and stress. It’s simply inevitable, because anything and anyone else is inadequate to meet our needs. We MUST put our trust in the one, true God! There are times whenever I pray to God for peace and allow myself to hand my worries over to Him, instead of trying to rely on my own abilities. It’s during those times that I feel most secure and confident. I know that God can move any mountain and even though He may not always allow me to be successful, I know that He will help me to persevere through any obstacle. So let me ask you this today. Are you putting your trust in chariots and horses or are you putting your trust in the one, true God? It’s never too late to make the right decision. Trust in the LORD today. --Dana Alexander