Psalm 60:4 - June 24, 2009

Ps 60:4 "But for those who fear you, you have raised a banner to be unfurled against the bow." NIV

This verse is written within the context of an intercessory psalm written during a time of conflict. Israel is at war and God has allowed her enemies to mount up against her. This verse is a revelatory principle expressed in the midst of a heart cry for God to overcome the evil circumstances that David and Israel are facing. David is acknowledging that God is using these hardships to deal with stubborn Israel and yet he is bold enough to cry out to God for his intervention. This is a much needed condition of heart amongst God’s people: Sober appraisal of our neediness before God and a stubborn boldness before Him that humbly persists in His presence and will not faint under His dealings but will stand confidently in expectation before him.
In the midst of such a trying time David emphasizes that even through the midst of such a trial God is watching over those that truly fear him. In every group situation there will be those who believe in God and then a whole different group that not only believe but relate to him with a holy fear and reverence that will not take unhealthy advantage of His kindness to us.
David’s point in this passage is that in each setting where God identifies those who hold up His righteous standard and steadfast love He is working to create an example of the benefits of fearing the Lord. Imagine in the midst of the storm of war with clouds of confusion on every side a bright and shining banner being lifted over the fray for all of God’s faithful ones to see and run to in time of trial. When all of life is full of pressure and we are being weakened by opposition and the compromises of those around us God holds out a standard of integrity and holiness for those who love Him to run to. As we keep our eyes fixed in his direction, even when the battle is hot and confusing thoughts are pressing in, we can know that God will uphold a standard for all to run to who love this righteousness and truth, where his deliverance and safety are waiting. Look to the Lord in your battle today and let nothing shake the stand that you have taken for God!