Passage: Psalm 60
The Big Idea
Psalm 60 begins in defeat: “You have cast us off; You have broken us down.” God’s people have drunk the wine of confusion. But God has given a banner to those who fear Him, and He has spoken: every land is His. The psalm ends with confidence: Vain is the help of man. Through God we will do valiantly.
Reflections
O God, You have cast us off… Oh, restore us again! (v. 1). I deserve Your discipline. I’ve been selfish and hard, and You’ve been displeased. Yet You love me and promise mercy. I humble myself and trust You today.
You have made the earth tremble (v. 2). You can break the most solid things, move the immovable and humble the proud. You’ve done it. Now show mercy and heal the breaches.
You have made us drink the wine of confusion (v. 3). I accept it. Whom the Lord loves He chastens (Hebrews 12:6). This season has been hard and confusing. Bring us back to Your blessing.
You have given a banner to those who fear You (v. 4). I want to be known by my trust in You. I don’t always do right, but I’ll trust You all my days. Hold me together and give me love, patience and grace. My banner is You, and Your truth is what I stand on.
That Your beloved may be delivered (v. 5). I don’t deserve to be called Your beloved. I believe You’ll deliver. I’ve been asking and waiting. I can’t fix the past; I can only trust You and love today. I don’t know what You’ll do. Answer me, so I can tell the undeserving of this world that You answer them too!
God has spoken in His holiness (vv. 6-8). You’re always holy and always right. I can’t wait to see Your answer. The story of the prodigal son helps me believe You know how to bring wanderers home (Luke 15). Every tribe and nation is Yours: Gilead, Manasseh, Ephraim, Judah, even Moab and Edom. Nothing happens that You don’t know. Jesus, You’re on Your throne.
Who will bring me to the strong city? (vv. 9-10). I can’t win without You. I can’t even go. I need You to lead, strengthen and stay with me.
Give us help from trouble, for the help of man is useless (v. 11). Amen. People can’t deliver me, answer prayer or supply what I really need. You’re my only banner. I declare to the world that I love You and will go to the grave trusting You. You’ve forgiven me, changed me and conquered my heart, Jesus, King of the universe. Now act on behalf of my family.
Through God we will do valiantly, for it is He who shall tread down our enemies (v. 12). Amen, Lord. Tread down every enemy, physical and spiritual. Protect, lead, heal and save. You get all the glory.
Grace Takeaway
Human help runs out fast. But you’ve been given a banner: the Lord Himself. Lift it high, wait for His answer, and through God you will do valiantly.
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