Slideshow image

"You have set up a vanner for those who fear you, that they may flee to it from the bow."

~Psalm 60:4

 

This psalm displays the wavering confidence of even the most ardent believer.  David is not a perfect believer of course but was described as “a man after God’s own heart” (I Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22)  In this psalm, David bounces back and forth from section to section voicing his complaint and disillusionment against God for rejecting and abandoning him (v.1-3/9-10), to trustingly confessing God’s deliverance, salvation and righteous rule (v.4-8/11-12).

There are many things that we encounter in this life that could shake or alter our confidence in who God is and what he does.  But they must not!  Circumstance does not change God’s character.  He has never changed (Malachi 3:6, James 1:17).  His eternal attributes are fixed.  It is we who have shifted and drifted, changing the hue of God’s work in our life.  What is given to us as love, grace, mercy, goodness and discipline looks like anger, rejection, deceit, abandonment and punishment.

Jesus says to us, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.  Trust in God, trust also in me.” (John 14:1)  It is our own hearts, our own feelings, our own perceptions that cannot be trusted (v.11b, Jeremiah 17:5,9-10).  May we not let circumstance be the determiner of truth!  May we only and always trust in God, in his Word and his Works (Jeremiah 17:7; Proverbs 3:5-6).

The LORD has set up his banner for those who fear him (v.4).  It is in him, through his Son Jesus Christ, that his beloved ones are delivered, and salvation is given (v.5).  God has spoken in his holiness (v.6) and he is ever faithful to his word.  Be steady on the one sure foundation of the Word of God, Jesus Christ.