03.19.07

But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You. For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; with favor You will surround him as with a shield. - Psalm 5:11-12. 

The Spanish Celta Vigo football (soccer) club is struggling because at their home Balaidos stadium, they have only won one match this season. The plan for winning the upcoming match against Real Madrid is, however, a little unusual. The Club is asking their fans to loan them their lucky charms in the hope that this will help them become winners. A statement on the Celta Vigo’s website says, “Bring your garlic, holy water, rabbit's foot or even a whole rabbit to the club offices between March 19 and April 1 and leave it there until after the match against Real Madrid.” Their hopes in the new plan are summed up with, “Let's see if together it can bring us some luck at Balaidos.”  

I have to admit to having owned a rabbit’s foot with a little chain on it when I was a boy. I cannot remember how it came into my possession, but they were very popular at one time. My rabbit’s foot bit the dust at some point in my boyhood because I could really see no point in keeping it. As far as good or bad things happening in my life I could not tell any difference after having disposed of the rabbit’s foot. I actually felt good about the decision and today I am even more delighted that I was able to make that decision before I became an adult. I am glad that whenever things are not going my way that I do not have to dig out a rabbit’s foot, or horseshoe, or garlic, or holy water, or whatever. I am glad that before I step foot out of my house that I don’t have to make sure that I have a rabbit’s foot in my pocket or hanging around my neck.  

Instead of depending upon a lucky charm, hoping upon a lucky charm to bring me luck, I depend upon my trust in the One true and living God. I can rejoice with the Psalmist that I know the truth of His power and strength. I can shout with joy because He defends me - and His power and strength is real because He is alive!  

Isn’t it time to trash the lucky charms and instead depend, trust upon the living God? The Psalmist says that He will bless the righteous with favor and surround them like a shield. What a deal! Exchange the worthless and dead lucky charms for the blessing and favor of God along with His surrounding you with His protection. Put your trust in God and not in charms. Put your trust in God and not in luck. You will always be glad that you did!