Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. (Psalm 20:7, ESV)
I’ve been playing golf for a lot of years. Or have I?
In the common use of the term “playing golf,” the answer is yes. I was a single-digit player when I started—not my handicap, of course, but my age.
In fact, there was a time when I noticed that my handicap was the same as the age I was when I started, so I was in the single digits on both ends of the spectrum.
Both when I was very young and when I was fairly good, I played golf. It was a recreational activity, and I loved playing that crazy game. Weird things would happen to the ball, both good and bad, and I enjoyed them all.
My buddy Doug and I would practice in our yard, hitting balls over trees with our sand wedges and sometimes over the house. On the course, we tried all kinds of shots, and sometimes we made them.
Even when we began competing, we still played. I did that for a long time, and then one day, I took a lesson. Pretty much from then until now, I have worked at golf rather than played golf.
That’s fine, of course, if you can confine the work to where it should happen, in the practice areas. I now declare that those should be called the work areas. The course should be the playground.
Occasionally—it even happened on the day I’m writing this—I will trust the work I’ve done in the work areas, then get on the course and play golf. I am much better when I just play the game.
Likewise, I am far better at life when I trust God for protection, provision, and direction. He has never failed me, and yet there have been many times when I’ve trusted in earthly things—horses and chariots seem so strong! — rather than trusting in God.
Part of the joy of golf is trusting the work you’ve done and then feeling the wonder of a swing that is fluid and effortless. When that happens, I know I am playing golf again.
But the joy of watching God take care of you, guide you, and orchestrate events for your benefit is even better than that. Life is harder than golf. Trust the Giver of Life, and some days, it might even feel like play.
Prayer: Father, thank you for giving us life and for loving us all the way through it. May we always put our full and complete trust in you. In Jesus’ name, amen.