August 23, 2025 • 10 mins
Title: Psalm 20: How to Find Victory and Confidence in God
Meta Description
Psalm 20 shows us how prayer and trust in God’s name bring confidence in times of trouble and strength before the battle.
Short Description
In this episode of Counseling Through the Psalms, we reflect on Psalm 20, a psalm of intercession and trust before battle. Discover how prayer, faith, and confidence in God’s name prepare us for life’s struggles and give us strength when facing overwhelming odds.
Episode Highlights
- Psalm 20 begins as a community prayer for King David before battle.
- The people ask God for protection, remembrance, and victory.
- Prayer is presented as the believer’s first defense, not a last resort.
- David declares confidence in God’s deliverance before the battle begins.
- Verse 7 contrasts self-reliance with trust in the Lord’s name.
- Faith enables us to rise and stand firm while others fall.
- The psalm ends with dependence: prayer continues even after confident declarations.
Resources and Next Steps
- Join the free Navigator Level of the Lessons for Life Community: https://jameslongjr.org/community
- Explore full membership and coaching options: https://jameslongjr.org/signupnow
- Download devotionals, attend live meetups, and access biblical life training to grow emotionally, relationally, and spiritually.
ABOUT JAMES and LESSONS FOR LIFE
Are you seeking hope, wisdom, and practical solutions to life’s challenges? Dr. James Long, Jr., pastor, counselor, and professor with over 30 years of experience, helps people discover God’s solutions to emotional, relational, and spiritual challenges. Each episode of Lessons for Life points you to the peace and freedom found in Jesus Christ.
Resources and Next Steps
- Join the free Navigator Level of the Lessons for Life Community: https://jameslongjr.org/community
- Explore full membership and coaching options: https://jameslongjr.org/signupnow
Listen and Subscribe: Find Lessons for Life with James Long, Jr., wherever you listen to podcasts
Connect
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Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hello everyone, it's James Long.
Do me a favor and grab yourBible and a journal and let's
turn to Psalm 20.
Psalm 20 invites us into asacred moment before a battle.
It's where the people of Godpray for their King and express
unwavering trust in the Lord'sname.
This psalm offers profoundinsights for anyone facing
(00:20):
overwhelming odds, reminding usthat true confidence is found
not in our resources but in thecharacter of our Redeemer.
The first section we'll belooking at is a prayer before
the battle begins.
Psalm 20 opens not with a cry ofdespair but a chorus of
intercession.
The people lift up their voicesfor their King David before he
(00:42):
leads them into war.
But this is no moment ofpatriotic hope.
It is deeply spiritual,reverent and grounded in the
covenant promises of God.
And watch what he says here inverse 1.
May the Lord answer you in theday of trouble.
May the name of the God ofJacob protect you.
These words are more thanpolite religious wishes.
(01:03):
They are fervent petitionsgrounded in God's faithful
history with his people.
When they speak of the name ofthe God of Jacob, they invoke
the legacy of deliverance, mercyand power.
This is a God who met Jacob inhis distress, wrestled with him
in the dark and renamed himIsrael.
This is the God who sees, hearsand acts.
(01:23):
The community prayer includestangible pleas for sees, hears
and acts.
The community prayer includestangible pleas for help,
remembrance and success In verse3,.
That the king's offerings mightbe accepted.
In verse 4, that his heart'sdesire might be fulfilled.
In verse 5, that God wouldgrant him victory and
vindication.
Though we may not stand beforearmies, many of us know what it
(01:46):
is to wake up facing a day oftrouble.
Psalm 20 reminds us that prayeris not our last resort.
It is our first defense whenleaders, loved ones or even
ourselves face trials beyond ourstrength.
We are invited to intercede, totrust and to worship before the
outcome is known, the secret tospiritual confidence.
(02:08):
The tone shifts in verse 6.
Watch what it says here.
Now I know that the Lord saveshis anointed.
This is no longer the peoplespeaking, it is likely the voice
of the king, perhaps Davidhimself, emerging from a time of
worship with confidentassurance.
This is the heartbeat of Psalm20, a faith so secure it
(02:29):
celebrates victory before thebattle begins.
What gives David such boldness?
His trust is not in militarystrength or manpower.
Watch what he says in verse 7.
Some trust in chariots and somein horses, but we trust in the
name of the Lord, our God.
This declaration is the hingeof the psalm and the soul of its
(02:49):
theology.
In a culture where militarymight define national security,
david's confidence stands out asradical.
The pagan nations around Israelboasted of their weapons and
their war gods, but David, likeus, knew the frailty of human
strength.
His life was a testimony todivine intervention, from the
fields of Bethlehem to thevalley where he faced Goliath
(03:12):
with a sling and five stones.
The name of the Lord was not amagic word.
It's a declaration of God'srevealed character.
To trust in his name is totrust in his mercy, faithfulness
, righteousness and power.
When we meditate on who God is,our hearts are steadied.
When we remember what he hasdone, our fears lose their grip,
(03:34):
rising While Others Fall.
Verse 8 gives us a propheticglimpse of the outcome.
They collapse and fall, but werise and stand upright.
The victory has not yethappened, but faith sees it as
certain.
This verse is not merely aboutIsrael's enemies.
It speaks to the differencebetween lives built on
(03:54):
self-sufficiency and livesrooted on faith.
The proud collapse under theweight of their own plans, but
those who trust in the Lord,stand firm, upheld by his
strength, not their own.
If your life feels like abattlefield, if you're
overwhelmed by inner wars,relational conflicts or
uncertainty about the future,psalm 20 invites you to pause
(04:18):
and shift your gaze.
Look beyond your chariots, lookbeyond your horses.
Consider where your confidencetruly lies.
The path to standing firm isfound not in control, but in
surrender to the one whose nameis a fortress.
Keep praying, even when theoutcome feels certain.
Now, psalm 20 ends with onefinal cry O Lord, save the king.
(04:43):
May he answer us when we callVerse 9.
Even after confidentdeclarations and shared
assurance, the people continuein prayer.
This teaches us something veryvital Faith does not cancel
dependence, it deepens it.
When we trust God deeply, wepray more, not less.
(05:03):
We return again and again, notto twist his arm, but to align
our hearts.
We keep asking because we areforgetful.
Every return to prayer is areturn to remembrance.
Whether you're a leader makinghard decisions, a parent trying
to guide your children or abeliever trying to stand strong
in the days of trouble, psalm 20is for you.
(05:25):
The victory is the Lord's, butthe confidence is ours, as we
rest in his name.
Now here's some of the doctrinaltruths that we find from Psalm
20.
Number one God's name reflectshis character and his nature.
To trust in God's name is torely on his revealed character
and his nature.
To trust in God's name is torely on his revealed character
(05:48):
faithful, just, merciful andsovereign.
You could look at Exodus,chapter 34, verses 6 through 7,
to see some of the same.
Number two prayer is both aprivilege and power.
Intercessory prayer is a meansGod uses to strengthen his
people and to accomplish hiswill.
Look at James 5.16 for anotherpassage that goes along with
(06:08):
that.
Number three I want you toremind yourself that faith
celebrates before it sees.
Biblical faith often rejoicesin God's deliverance before the
answers arrive.
In Hebrews 11.1, we see that aswell.
Number four I want you toconsider that victory belongs to
the Lord.
Human strength is insufficient.
(06:30):
Real triumph comes by God'shand alone.
1 Samuel 17, verse 47.
And number five worshipprepares us for warfare.
Our trust is fortified when wemeet God in prayer and remember
his faithfulness.
Psalm chapter 46, verses 10through 11.
Now let's take all of thatdoctrine and make it practical,
(06:51):
practical theology, living thispsalm today.
So I want you to consider thatthe psalm meets you in a place
of pressure, whether it's ahealth crisis, a fractured
relationship or a difficultdecision, or maybe even the
emotional weight of leadership.
This psalm shapes your posture.
Are you facing something thatyou feel is beyond you?
(07:13):
Start with prayer, not panic.
Are you burdened for someone ina spiritual battle?
Intercede for them withboldness.
Are you prone to rely on yourown strength?
Name your horses and chariotsand lay them down.
Are you waiting for an answer?
Meditate on who God is and lethis name settle your fears.
(07:35):
The way forward is not justhaving it all figured out.
It is remembering the one whoholds all things together and
trusting him to fight for you.
Well, let's reflect and respond.
Number one what horses orchariots forms of self-reliance
are you most tempted to trust intoday?
Number two how would yourprayer life change if you truly
(08:00):
believe that God hears andanswers your cries?
Number three when have youexperienced God's help in a
previous day of trouble?
How can that memory fuel yourfaith right now, today?
Number four how do youcurrently remember the name of
the Lord?
What practices help youmeditate on His character?
(08:23):
The Lord what practices helpyou meditate on His character?
Number five who in your lifeneeds you to stand in the gap
for them and pray?
How can you encourage theirfaith?
Number six are your plans anddesires aligned with God's will?
How can you surrender them morefully?
And number seven what does itlook like for you to rise and
(08:47):
stand firm in the face of yourcurrent challenges?
Well, let's pray.
Father, thank you for revealingyourself through the power of
your word, and thank you for theconfidence that we have in
every crisis.
Thank you, lord Jesus, forliving the life that we could
never live and dying the deaththat we deserve.
And Holy Spirit, thank you forguiding us and leading us and
(09:10):
transforming us.
So teach us to believe thetruths of this psalm today.
In Jesus's name, we pray Amen.
If you're looking for moresupport, I want you to consider
joining our free navigator levelof Lessons for Life community
at jameslongjrorg slash.
Sign up now for devotionals,meetups and training that will
(09:33):
help you walk by faith, orexplore one of our full
memberships at jameslongjrorgslash.
Sign up now for deeper coachingand content designed to help
you grow in emotional,relational and spiritual wisdom.
Remind yourself of this you arenot alone in the fight.
The Lord of hosts fights foryou and in his name you will
(09:57):
stand Well.
Thanks for being with us today.
Until next time, be blessed,take care.
Hello everyone, it's James Long.
Do me a favor and grab yourBible and a journal and let's
turn to Psalm 20.
Psalm 20 invites us into asacred moment before a battle.
It's where the people of Godpray for their King and express
unwavering trust in the Lord'sname.
This psalm offers profoundinsights for anyone facing
(00:20):
overwhelming odds, reminding usthat true confidence is found
not in our resources but in thecharacter of our Redeemer.
The first section we'll belooking at is a prayer before
the battle begins.
Psalm 20 opens not with a cry ofdespair but a chorus of
intercession.
The people lift up their voicesfor their King David before he
(00:42):
leads them into war.
But this is no moment ofpatriotic hope.
It is deeply spiritual,reverent and grounded in the
covenant promises of God.
And watch what he says here inverse 1.
May the Lord answer you in theday of trouble.
May the name of the God ofJacob protect you.
These words are more thanpolite religious wishes.
(01:03):
They are fervent petitionsgrounded in God's faithful
history with his people.
When they speak of the name ofthe God of Jacob, they invoke
the legacy of deliverance, mercyand power.
This is a God who met Jacob inhis distress, wrestled with him
in the dark and renamed himIsrael.
This is the God who sees, hearsand acts.
(01:23):
The community prayer includestangible pleas for sees, hears
and acts.
The community prayer includestangible pleas for help,
remembrance and success In verse3,.
That the king's offerings mightbe accepted.
In verse 4, that his heart'sdesire might be fulfilled.
In verse 5, that God wouldgrant him victory and
vindication.
Though we may not stand beforearmies, many of us know what it
(01:46):
is to wake up facing a day oftrouble.
Psalm 20 reminds us that prayeris not our last resort.
It is our first defense whenleaders, loved ones or even
ourselves face trials beyond ourstrength.
We are invited to intercede, totrust and to worship before the
outcome is known, the secret tospiritual confidence.
(02:08):
The tone shifts in verse 6.
Watch what it says here.
Now I know that the Lord saveshis anointed.
This is no longer the peoplespeaking, it is likely the voice
of the king, perhaps Davidhimself, emerging from a time of
worship with confidentassurance.
This is the heartbeat of Psalm20, a faith so secure it
(02:29):
celebrates victory before thebattle begins.
What gives David such boldness?
His trust is not in militarystrength or manpower.
Watch what he says in verse 7.
Some trust in chariots and somein horses, but we trust in the
name of the Lord, our God.
This declaration is the hingeof the psalm and the soul of its
(02:49):
theology.
In a culture where militarymight define national security,
david's confidence stands out asradical.
The pagan nations around Israelboasted of their weapons and
their war gods, but David, likeus, knew the frailty of human
strength.
His life was a testimony todivine intervention, from the
fields of Bethlehem to thevalley where he faced Goliath
(03:12):
with a sling and five stones.
The name of the Lord was not amagic word.
It's a declaration of God'srevealed character.
To trust in his name is totrust in his mercy, faithfulness
, righteousness and power.
When we meditate on who God is,our hearts are steadied.
When we remember what he hasdone, our fears lose their grip,
(03:34):
rising While Others Fall.
Verse 8 gives us a propheticglimpse of the outcome.
They collapse and fall, but werise and stand upright.
The victory has not yethappened, but faith sees it as
certain.
This verse is not merely aboutIsrael's enemies.
It speaks to the differencebetween lives built on
(03:54):
self-sufficiency and livesrooted on faith.
The proud collapse under theweight of their own plans, but
those who trust in the Lord,stand firm, upheld by his
strength, not their own.
If your life feels like abattlefield, if you're
overwhelmed by inner wars,relational conflicts or
uncertainty about the future,psalm 20 invites you to pause
(04:18):
and shift your gaze.
Look beyond your chariots, lookbeyond your horses.
Consider where your confidencetruly lies.
The path to standing firm isfound not in control, but in
surrender to the one whose nameis a fortress.
Keep praying, even when theoutcome feels certain.
Now, psalm 20 ends with onefinal cry O Lord, save the king.
(04:43):
May he answer us when we callVerse 9.
Even after confidentdeclarations and shared
assurance, the people continuein prayer.
This teaches us something veryvital Faith does not cancel
dependence, it deepens it.
When we trust God deeply, wepray more, not less.
(05:03):
We return again and again, notto twist his arm, but to align
our hearts.
We keep asking because we areforgetful.
Every return to prayer is areturn to remembrance.
Whether you're a leader makinghard decisions, a parent trying
to guide your children or abeliever trying to stand strong
in the days of trouble, psalm 20is for you.
(05:25):
The victory is the Lord's, butthe confidence is ours, as we
rest in his name.
Now here's some of the doctrinaltruths that we find from Psalm
20.
Number one God's name reflectshis character and his nature.
To trust in God's name is torely on his revealed character
and his nature.
To trust in God's name is torely on his revealed character
(05:48):
faithful, just, merciful andsovereign.
You could look at Exodus,chapter 34, verses 6 through 7,
to see some of the same.
Number two prayer is both aprivilege and power.
Intercessory prayer is a meansGod uses to strengthen his
people and to accomplish hiswill.
Look at James 5.16 for anotherpassage that goes along with
(06:08):
that.
Number three I want you toremind yourself that faith
celebrates before it sees.
Biblical faith often rejoicesin God's deliverance before the
answers arrive.
In Hebrews 11.1, we see that aswell.
Number four I want you toconsider that victory belongs to
the Lord.
Human strength is insufficient.
(06:30):
Real triumph comes by God'shand alone.
1 Samuel 17, verse 47.
And number five worshipprepares us for warfare.
Our trust is fortified when wemeet God in prayer and remember
his faithfulness.
Psalm chapter 46, verses 10through 11.
Now let's take all of thatdoctrine and make it practical,
(06:51):
practical theology, living thispsalm today.
So I want you to consider thatthe psalm meets you in a place
of pressure, whether it's ahealth crisis, a fractured
relationship or a difficultdecision, or maybe even the
emotional weight of leadership.
This psalm shapes your posture.
Are you facing something thatyou feel is beyond you?
(07:13):
Start with prayer, not panic.
Are you burdened for someone ina spiritual battle?
Intercede for them withboldness.
Are you prone to rely on yourown strength?
Name your horses and chariotsand lay them down.
Are you waiting for an answer?
Meditate on who God is and lethis name settle your fears.
(07:35):
The way forward is not justhaving it all figured out.
It is remembering the one whoholds all things together and
trusting him to fight for you.
Well, let's reflect and respond.
Number one what horses orchariots forms of self-reliance
are you most tempted to trust intoday?
Number two how would yourprayer life change if you truly
(08:00):
believe that God hears andanswers your cries?
Number three when have youexperienced God's help in a
previous day of trouble?
How can that memory fuel yourfaith right now, today?
Number four how do youcurrently remember the name of
the Lord?
What practices help youmeditate on His character?
(08:23):
The Lord what practices helpyou meditate on His character?
Number five who in your lifeneeds you to stand in the gap
for them and pray?
How can you encourage theirfaith?
Number six are your plans anddesires aligned with God's will?
How can you surrender them morefully?
And number seven what does itlook like for you to rise and
(08:47):
stand firm in the face of yourcurrent challenges?
Well, let's pray.
Father, thank you for revealingyourself through the power of
your word, and thank you for theconfidence that we have in
every crisis.
Thank you, lord Jesus, forliving the life that we could
never live and dying the deaththat we deserve.
And Holy Spirit, thank you forguiding us and leading us and
(09:10):
transforming us.
So teach us to believe thetruths of this psalm today.
In Jesus's name, we pray Amen.
If you're looking for moresupport, I want you to consider
joining our free navigator levelof Lessons for Life community
at jameslongjrorg slash.
Sign up now for devotionals,meetups and training that will
(09:33):
help you walk by faith, orexplore one of our full
memberships at jameslongjrorgslash.
Sign up now for deeper coachingand content designed to help
you grow in emotional,relational and spiritual wisdom.
Remind yourself of this you arenot alone in the fight.
The Lord of hosts fights foryou and in his name you will
(09:57):
stand Well.
Thanks for being with us today.
Until next time, be blessed,take care.
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