Psalm 60:1,4,12 (NIV)
You have rejected us, God, and burst upon us; you have been angry – now restore us! But for those who fear you, you have raised a banner to be unfurled against the bow. With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies.
The setting of this psalm was early in David’s reign when he was moving from one victory to another, yet there appears to be some serious set-back not mentioned in Scripture that had arrested David’s heart and mind. Perhaps their focus on various neighboring countries had left the rear-guard open for attack, but whatever happened caused David to question Israel’s standing with God (v. 1). Within the confines of this 12-verse psalm, as we follow David’s pleas to his Heavenly Father, we find three keys to Victorious Christian Living: Our Relationship with God (v. 1), the Truth of His Word (v. 4), and His Promises (v. 12).
In verse 1 David makes it plain that God had become angry with his children. The relationship had been damaged, and the fault, as always, lay at the feet of God’s wayward followers. God’s anger, unlike our own, is never capricious or malicious…but always justified and always pointed towards reconciliation and maturity. Like a good parent, God disciplines those he loves (Heb. 12:6), so if you are walking in disobedience – at home, at work, or in private – don’t be surprised when God brings the rod of discipline into your life. Spurgeon wrote, “To be cast off by God is the worst calamity that can befall a man or a people; but the worst form of it is when the person is not aware of it and is indifferent to it. When the divine desertion causes mourning and repentance, it will be but partial and temporary.” David was quick to own his and his nation’s sin and cry out, “Restore us!” We must do the same to keep our relationship with God healthy.
Verse 4 reminds me of one of the final battle scenes in the Revolutionary War movie, The Patriot. Mel Gibson was leading the Colonial’s assault on the British lines when the tide turned, and his men began to retreat in fear. He takes the 13-star Betsy Ross flag from a fleeing militiaman and raises it high above his head, screaming for his men to “Hold the line!” as he charges back towards their British foes. Their banner had been “unfurled against the bow” and it reminded them of their cause and gave them the strength they needed to push forward. If there is a “banner” in the Christian life, surely it is the very Word of the Lord. “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Heb. 4:12). We can only be victorious when we are in God’s Word and allow it to “dwell richly in us” (Col. 3:16). Can you see God’s banner raised above every aspect of your life?
Finally, verse 12 points us to the hope and reality of God’s promises. Despite the set-back, David knew that if he and his people got right with God, then God would make things right for them. Our God is a promise keeper (1 Cor. 1:9) simply because he cannot lie – He is obligated by his own character to keep every single promise he has made. Additionally, He wants to keep his promises because they are loving and good towards his children, and what good parent does not want to do good for their children? This is such a key aspect of living a victorious Christian life…to know, and to proclaim via prayer, God’s promises over your life. We must seek to do our part, knowing that God is always doing his. “For our part, there will be valiant deeds; for God’s part, there will be not only His hand on ours, but His foot on the enemy” (Derek Kidner).
