Who Ultimately Gives Victory in Life? (Answers from King David in Psalm 20)
Every person longs for victory in life—victory over challenges, fears, temptations, and the uncertainty of the future. Yet when we ask the question, “Who ultimately gives victory in life?” Scripture directs us away from human strength and toward God Himself.
Psalm 20 was written for Israel’s king on the eve of battle. The people prayed blessings over him, asking God to protect, remember, and grant him success. But the psalm also makes a critical distinction: while some trust in chariots and horses, the faithful trust in the name of the Lord. The outcome is clear: “They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand firm” (Psalm 20:8).
David’s prayer shows that victory in life is not self-achieved. It is granted by God, secured through His anointed King, and fulfilled in Christ Jesus.
1. Victory Is Granted by God, Not Earned by Human Power
Psalm 20 opens with a blessing: “May the Lord answer you in a day of trouble; may the name of Jacob’s God protect you” (v. 1).
God as the source of victory: The repeated “May the Lord” in verses 1–5 makes clear that victory is not achieved by the king’s ability but by God’s intervention.
Human power fails: Chariots and horses—symbols of military strength—cannot guarantee lasting triumph (v. 7). Nations that relied on them fell into ruin.
God’s reputation is on the line: Because the king’s victory was tied to God’s name, triumph could only come through Him.
Thus, victory in life is not ultimately about strategy, resources, or skill—it is about God’s saving action on behalf of His people.
2. Victory Is Tied to God’s Anointed King
David shifts from prayer to confidence: “Now I know that the Lord gives victory to his anointed” (Psalm 20:6).
The king as representative: Israel’s security was bound up with the king’s success. If God saved the king, the nation was safe.
Messianic promise: The psalm looks forward to the promised seed from David’s line (2 Samuel 7:12–15), whose reign would be established forever.
Fulfillment in Christ: Jesus is the true Anointed King. God granted Him victory over sin and death through the resurrection, ensuring the salvation of His people (Acts 2:30–32).
This means victory in life is not merely personal—it is participation in the triumph of Christ, our King.
3. Victory Produces Joyful Worship
The psalm declares: “Let us shout for joy at your victory and lift the banner in the name of our God” (Psalm 20:5).
Celebration rooted in salvation: Israel’s joy was not in the strength of the army but in God’s deliverance. Their banners proclaimed allegiance to Him.
Worship as witness: By rejoicing in God’s victory, the people testified that He, not human might, deserved the glory.
Fulfillment in the church: Christians lift their banner in the name of Jesus, celebrating His resurrection in worship, communion, baptism, and mission.
Victory in life is given so that God’s people may rejoice in His salvation and proclaim His name to the nations.
4. Victory Contrasts the Fate of God’s Enemies and His People
David draws a sharp contrast: “They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand firm” (Psalm 20:8).
The downfall of God’s enemies: Those who trust in worldly power inevitably fall, as did Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, and Rome.
The endurance of God’s people: Those who trust in the Lord rise, not by their strength but by His salvation. The commentary notes that this points to resurrection hope—the people of God will rise to bear eternal witness to His salvation.
Christ-centered assurance: Because Christ rose, His people rise with Him, both spiritually now and bodily at the last day (1 Corinthians 15:20–22).
Victory in life is not measured by temporary success but by eternal standing in Christ.
5. Victory in Life Is Secured by God’s Final Answer
The psalm concludes: “Lord, give victory to the king! May he answer us on the day that we call” (Psalm 20:9).
Summarizing the psalm: The prayer shows that God’s answer to the king determines the people’s destiny.
Fulfillment in Christ: God answered Jesus on the day of His distress by raising Him from the dead (Psalm 22; Hebrews 5:7).
Assurance for the church: Because God came through for His King, we can be confident He will come through for us who belong to Him.
Victory in life ultimately belongs to God because He alone saves, answers prayer, and fulfills His promises through His King.
Conclusion
So, who ultimately gives victory in life? According to King David in Psalm 20, it is the Lord alone. He grants victory, not human power. He saves His anointed King, and through Him, His people. He turns triumph into worship, raises His people to stand firm, and secures their eternal hope through His final answer in Christ.
For Christians, the message is clear: our victory is tied to the victory of King Jesus. His resurrection is the proof that God’s promises cannot fail, and His reign guarantees that our hope will last forever.
Bible Verses on Victory in Life
“Now I know that the Lord gives victory to his anointed.” (Psalm 20:6)
“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 firm.” (Psalm 20:8)
“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57)
“The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.” (Proverbs 21:31)
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1)
“In all these things 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)
“This is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” (1 John 5:4)
“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ.” (Revelation 11:15)
