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.

Psalm 60:11-12

God’s people are facing ‘desperate times’ (v 3). Their solid ground has been shaken and they even feel ‘rejected’ by God (v 1). Yet, although what once seemed firm is now fractured and fragile, a note of hope is introduced: ‘But … you have raised a banner’ (v 4).

When God’s people listen as he speaks from his ‘sanctuary’ (v 6), this rallying point becomes a turning point. Despite earth-shaking, earth-shattering events, the heavenly throne remains unshakeable. The earth, with everything and everyone in it, belongs to God and will be dealt with according to his sovereign purposes (vs 6–8). Israel’s enemies will be defeated – as the Amorites, Moabites, and Midianites discovered when they tried to thwart God’s purposes2 – and Israel’s inheritance is secure. Israel learned, often the hard way, that ‘human help is worthless’ and only God can give lasting victory (vs 11,12). It is a lesson that we, too, must learn.

APPLY: In every choice or crisis, every opportunity or obstacle, let God be your rallying point. Allow his purposes and perspectives to inform, form, and transform your vision, viewpoint, and values.

CLOSING PRAYER: Lord God, you are my only hope when life is hard. Help me to trust you, be faithful, and to praise your name.

(A Summary from Encounter with God)