Should I Put My Confidence in Human Strength or in God? (Answers from King David in Psalm 20)
Every generation faces the same question: “Should I put my confidence in human strength or in God?” Whether we measure strength in terms of wealth, armies, political power, or personal ability, the temptation is always the same—to trust what can be seen rather than the God who rules over all.
King David, in Psalm 20, speaks directly to this tension. As Israel prepared for battle, the people lifted prayers for their king, asking God to protect him, remember his worship, and grant him victory. Yet in the heart of the psalm comes one of the most striking contrasts in Scripture: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God” (Psalm 20:7).
David’s words cut across every generation. Human strength collapses; God’s name endures. True confidence must rest not in what human hands can build but in the God who saves His anointed King and secures His people forever.
1. Human Strength Is Always Temporary
The psalm’s reference to “chariots” and “horses” reflects the height of military power in David’s day. Nations trusted these tools of war as symbols of dominance and protection. Yet history shows that even the strongest armies eventually fall.
The fragility of human power: Egypt’s chariots drowned in the Red Sea (Exodus 14:28). Assyria’s might collapsed when God struck down its army outside Jerusalem (Isaiah 37:36).
The illusion of self-sufficiency: Nations and individuals alike are tempted to think strength is permanent, but Scripture says, “The grass withers, the flower fades” (Isaiah 40:8).
Modern parallels: Today, we look to technology, wealth, or political systems as forms of strength. But these, too, are fragile and fleeting.
David’s contrast reminds us that trusting in human strength, no matter how advanced, will always disappoint in the end.
2. God’s Name Is the Source of True Confidence
In contrast to human power, David declares: “We trust in the name of the Lord our God” (Psalm 20:7).
God’s name as protection: His name represents His character and His covenant faithfulness. To trust His name is to believe He will act according to His promises.
Sanctuary help: Earlier in the psalm, David prayed, “May he send you help from the sanctuary and give you support from Zion” (v. 2). Real strength flows not from human resources but from God’s holy presence.
Christ as fulfillment: For Christians, trusting God’s name means trusting Jesus, the one given the name above every name (Philippians 2:9–11). His name saves (Acts 4:12) and secures eternal protection.
Confidence in God is not blind optimism. It is trust grounded in His character, His covenant, and His Son.
3. The Collapse of Human Strength Versus the Endurance of God’s People
David sets the outcome side by side: “They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright” (Psalm 20:8).
The downfall of pride: Those who exalt in their own strength eventually stumble. Babylon, Assyria, and Rome—all empires that looked invincible—crumbled under the weight of their pride.
The endurance of the faithful: God’s people, by contrast, rise and stand firm not because of their strength but because of His.
Christ-centered assurance: The resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate proof of this truth. Human power crucified Him, but God raised Him, securing eternal life for all who belong to Him.
To ask, “Should I put my confidence in human strength or in God?” is to ask whether we want a collapsing foundation or an unshakable one. God’s people rise and stand because He holds them upright.
4. The Gospel Shows the Folly of Trusting in Human Power
Psalm 20 points forward to the Gospel, where the ultimate battle was fought and won not by armies or weapons but by the cross.
The weakness of worldly strength: Rome’s legions, Israel’s leaders, and human schemes sought to destroy Jesus. Their power ended at the tomb.
The strength of God revealed in weakness: Paul writes, “The weakness of God is stronger than men” (1 Corinthians 1:25). Through the cross, God triumphed.
Our lasting hope: Because Christ has been raised, His people now live with the confidence that no enemy—sin, death, or Satan—can prevail against them (Romans 8:37).
The Gospel shows that the decisive victory of history was achieved not by human strength but by God’s saving power.
5. Confidence in God Brings Future Hope
Psalm 20 closes: “O Lord, save the king! May he answer us when we call” (v. 9). This was more than a prayer for one battle; it was an appeal for lasting hope through God’s anointed.
Hope in the King’s deliverance: Israel’s survival depended on God saving the king. In Christ, the King’s resurrection secures eternal life for His people.
Confidence in future deliverance: Believers live with assurance that God will come through again. He has delivered in the past, He delivers now, and He will deliver finally in the resurrection (2 Corinthians 1:10).
Celebration in advance: To trust God is to celebrate His salvation even before it is seen, confident that He will bring His promises to completion.
Confidence in God is not only for today’s troubles but for the eternal future secured in Christ.
Conclusion
So, should I put my confidence in human strength or in God? King David’s words in Psalm 20 make the answer clear. Human strength—whether in armies, wealth, or personal power—always collapses. But confidence in God’s name provides lasting protection, joy, and hope.
For Christians, this psalm finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. His resurrection is proof that God’s strength triumphs where human power fails. Because of Him, we rise and stand upright even when the world around us crumbles. Our confidence belongs not in what human hands can achieve but in the God who saves.
Bible Verses on Confidence in God
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” (Psalm 20:7)
“They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright.” (Psalm 20:8)
“The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.” (Proverbs 21:31)
“It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.” (Psalm 118:8)
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.” (Proverbs 18:10)
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5)
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:26)
“We are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37)
“If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)
“The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” (Exodus 14:14)
