Psalm 60:1-5, 11-12 NIV
You have rejected us, God, and burst upon us;
you have been angry—now restore us!
You have shaken the land and torn it open;
mend its fractures, for it is quaking.
You have shown your people desperate times;
you have given us wine that makes us stagger.
But for those who fear you, you have raised a banner
to be unfurled against the bow.
Save us and help us with your right hand,
that those you love may be delivered.
Give us aid against the enemy, for human help is worthless.
With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies.
It must have been so difficult to live in the time of the ancient Israelites. Psalm 60 recalls a time when Israel was losing against enemies. David calls upon God to help them, acknowledging that only with the Lord would they be victorious against their enemies.
David describes the upheaval in Israel like an earthquake. The tectonic plates of political tensions between nations break and leads to war. Allegiances are torn. Diplomacy fails. People suffer.
David acknowledges that all the nations belong to God. He understands the Lord has His divine and sometimes hidden purpose. But he also knows God has promised Himself to Israel as a husband to a bride. God's bride suffers at the hands of enemies. Where is the protection promised in their covenant with The Lord?
David remembers and trusts in the covenant of GOD'S love for Israel. "His banner over me is love." (Song of Solomon 2:4) The steadfast and faithful love of God will save those who love God.
We may face desparate times together. Sometimes we can point to the sin of the nation and know why we're facing turmoil! Sometimes we have no idea. We must trust in the will of God and in his good and holy purposes. God is God of all nations, of all political parties, and of all races. Trust in the faithful love of your God to return to you and to your fellow citizens. Trust that peace, love, and security will once again be ours. Those who love God will always have hope.
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