Hovering over Psalm 20 this morning . . . it’s a song for the king (v.9) . . . in the day of trouble (v.1) . . . seemingly a psalm reflecting an occasion where the people pray David out of the city on his way to confront his enemies. And at the heart of the psalm is “the Name” . . . the name of our God . . . three times reference is made to “the Name” . . . and in those mentions, there is some instruction for all of us who head out to battle . . .

“May the name of the God of Jacob protect you!” (v.1b). In the Name there is power . . . and authority . . . such that it is an active agent of protection. Literally the word is “to set on high” . . . the NKJV translates it “defend” . . . the idea of exalting someone above hostility. Though the king had readied himself and was prepared to go “head to head” in combat, ultimately, his protection would be through the defending power of the name of God. The people petition Him who dwells in the holy place of the sanctuary of Zion to provide support (v2.) . . . to sustain . . . to encourage . . . to strengthen. In the Name there is protection . . .

And in that protection . . . there is a confidence . . . a joyful expectation of deliverance . . . such that, as they head into battle, “in the name of our God [we] set up our banners!” (v.5). No sneaking behind enemy lines here . . . no going stealth . . . but with flags unfurled, they proclaim themselves the people of God . . . gathered to the name of God . . . and confidently (not arrogantly) marching into battle for God. They know that the Lord saves his own and will answer from His holy hill (v.6) . . . that “if God is for us, who can be against us” . . . that “in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Rom. 8:31, 37). The banner bears the name of God! To Him they rally . . . for Him they are prepared to stand . . . under Him they go forward . . . in Him they experience “the saving might of His right hand” (v.6b).

So, while “some trust in chariots and some in horses, we trust in the name of the LORD our God” (v.7). It is His Name that we’ll call to remembrance . . . for in that Name, and in that Name alone, is where our trust is. Despite our capabilities . . . regardless of our “natural resources” . . . ultimately we recognize that only in the Name are we able to engage the enemy . . . and to endure the struggle . . . and to emerge the victor. Our “chariots and horses” are not the things we rely on . . . it’s not about how smart we are . . . or how talented we may think ourselves . . . or how clever we can be . . . or how much wealth or brute strength we think we can bring to bear to power through the trial. No, instead we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

His Name . . . the Name above all names . . . is the Name of active and present protection. That Name which stirs the heart, is the Name upon which I raise the banner of proclamation . . . acknowledging that I enter the fray “in Him.” And in that Name — the Name I love to hear, and love to speak it’s worth — is the Name of a peace-filled expectation that I can do all things through the resources of Him who strengthens me (Php. 4:13).

“They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright” (v.8) . . . in the Name . . . because of the Name . . . and for the glory of the Name.

Amen.