Our scripture is part of Psalm 46 verse 9, “…he burns the chariots with fire” (ESV). Let me try to explain what I found so awesome about this verse. Chariots were a symbol of strength and power. Kings thought they could easily win a battle because of the number of their chariots.

David knew that God’s people aren’t saved by chariots, but by the strong arm of the Lord. “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God” (Psalm 20:7, ESV). The prophet Isaiah had this to say about trusting in chariots, “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help and rely on horses, who trust in chariots because they are many and in horsemen because they are very strong, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel or consult the LORD!” (Isaiah 31:1, ESV).

When we’re in trouble, we’re not to turn to Egypt (a symbol for the world), in order to get help. We aren’t to trust in the world’s provisions for protection, deliverance, help in times of trouble. We’re to seek the Lord’s counsel, wisdom, direction, help, support, strength. We’re to go to the Lord to deliver us, to be our Savior. We’re to look to Him. God doesn’t want us to be a “Woe!”—God wants to save us from trying to save ourselves.

How does God get rid of the chariots we’re relying on instead of turning to Him? He burns the chariots with fire. That was our verse for this lesson. He sends fiery trials to show us our chariots can’t save us. We try this and that and find temporary help maybe, but there’s no real deliverance apart from the Lord. He will help us find our salvation in Him, and He’ll burn the chariots we’re relying on to help us get there. Better to turn to Him in times of trouble, but thank God for holy fire to burn away the things that keep us from Him.