Some times it seems as if the whole world is arrayed against us. It may also seem that in our troubles God is no where to be seen. Conflict is unavoidable, and we are facing it alone. But are we? David answers this question in Psalm 60, and it is good news for us who have committed our lives to rusting Christ. If you would like to hear more, check out the latest podcast on Psalm 60 from Morning Mercies, now available on all major platforms.
The Daily Psalms are given with the intention to encourage Christians to read and meditate on these scriptures in order to grow in their faith and relationship with God. They are released every Tuesday and Thursday for the following week on all major Podcast platforms. May the Lord bless you as you ponder His Word.
Presented by Michael Mullen
Some times it seems as if the whole world is arrayed against us. It may also seem that in our troubles God is no where to be seen. Conflict is unavoidable, and we are facing it alone. But are we?
David feels this way as he writes Psalm 60. God is not with them as evidenced by the events of recent history. David couches their current situation in the language of judgement. The people of Israel have suffered a defeat and are now in a mood of a great desperation. There is hope for those who look to God, but the nation is tottering and on the edge of its very existence. They must confront the nations that are coming against them, but will they do it by themselves?
There is a change of voice in the middle of this psalm (vv. 6-8). Here the prophet is speaking for God, and he says that all the nations that are before them, and the people of God themselves are all his possession, and he will do what he wants with them. He rules over the nations. In response the King, as leader of the army of Israel, asks “who will go with him to the fortified city, that of Edom.” Edom was the people of Israel’s enemy, and their leader is asking “will he have to fight the enemy by himself, or will God go with him?” That is verse 9. Then the King adds, “Have you not rejected us, O God? You do not go forth, O God, with our armies.”
The point of this is simple really: without God our future is without hope. If we do not have Him, we do not have anything. It is in verse 11 that the voice of the Psalmist returns, and gives us the lesson of all this. It is we need help from God, for all our strength without Him is nothing. The Psalmist says it plainly, “vain is the salvation of man.”
To often in our living we make the fatal mistake that we can live this life successfully with our own wits, our own talent, our own strength. When we become aware that life is to big for us to handle by ourselves, and we need help or rescuing, we make the mistake of looking to others like us for our salvation. Israel looked to their human kings, and then to the might of allies to save them, but they were made to depend on God, and Him alone for their salvation. Any human plan for their salvation was not big enough for the life God had made for them. Therefore the psalmist says that any salvation promised through our own agency, or the work of any human being or organization is like the wind, is vain. It has no substance whatsoever.
The Psalm ends with these words:
With God we shall do valiantly;
it is he who will tread down our foes.
That salvation is found in Jesus Christ, who died for you that you would live, live as God intended you to live, bravely and victoriously, above the enemies and circumstances that are working against you.
Look to Him who is your salvation.
Amen. Let us pray.
Prayer
Victorious Lord God Almighty,
We feel alone and weak
when we look at the battle we are in;
Lead us, and be with us,
That your victory would become ours.
Whatever the circumstance, whatever the foe,
Let this be your battle.
We remember that you came forth from the tomb in victory,
And are now seated at the right hand of the Father.
Extend that victory to this day and our battle.
Use your authority and work your justice
in our situation and trial that face here today.
Fill our hearts with the courage
that comes from standing with you.
In Jesus Holy name do we pray this.
Amen.