Images of war, reports of cruelty, and daily updates of escalating violence fill our newsfeeds. The first verses of Psalm 60, a prayer of lament, paint an eerily accurate reflection of scenes in the Middle East in October of 2023.

News networks bombard us with reports of earthquakes, acts of terror, kidnapping, and people staggering under the crushing force of witnessing one traumatic event after another.

1O God, you have rejected us, broken our defenses; you have been angry; oh, restore us.
2 You have made the land to quake; you have torn it open; repair its breaches, for it totters.
3 You have made your people see hard things; you have given us wine to drink that made us stagger.
(Psalm 60:1-3 ESV)

The psalmist cries out to God for restoration, knowing that only He could bring what is needed. While the one who wrote Psalm 60 had a clear idea of who was at fault, the current complexities and histories of the conflict in the Middle East could not be summed up so simply. Fault finding by those who live thousands of miles away can become a tool to create even more distance from these atrocities.

Therefore, only God can and will bring stability to the region because He alone can provide justice and mercy in equal measure.

I may never live in a war-torn city. However, as a believer, I live in times of spiritual warfare. The enemy of my soul bombards me and those I love with discouragement, uncertainty, financial problems, and suffering. When I step out to serve and commit to God’s assignments, I often experience increased discouraging opposition. The onslaught of opposition can leave me feeling defeated before I even start.

4 You have up a banner for those who fear you, that they may flee to it from the bow. Selah
5 That your beloved ones may be delivered, give salvation by your right hand and answer us!
6 God has spoken in his holiness: “With exultation I will divide up Shechem and portion out the Vale of Succoth.
7 Gilead is mine; Manasseh is mine; Ephraim is my helmet; Judah is my scepter.
8 Moab is my washbasin; upon Edom I cast my shoe; over Philistia I shout in triumph.” 
(Psalm 60:4-8 ESV)

In verse 4, the psalmist speaks of Jehovah Nissi, the Lord our Victory. This name of God reminds us of His ability to win all wars and be the one who fights for us. Amid the brokenness, the destruction, and the trauma, He will set up a banner for His people to flee to.

In times of war, look for God’s banner. Sometimes, God provides a place to flee to before the restoration.

 

By only focusing on seeing the provision or the healing, I might overlook the place of refuge God is calling me to go to with Him.

Banners can be used to celebrate victories, share hope with soldiers in the fight, and establish territory that has been won over. Banners fly high in the sky, beyond the fray, and point in the direction of respite for those fleeing the war.

In verses 5 to 8, the psalmist lists specific geographical areas that remind the people of God’s previous victories. Imagine God is unfurling His war resume full of victories.

In times of war, review God’s victories in your life. Where and when has He rescued you?

Making a list of God’s victories can remind your war-weary heart of all God has done in your life. Take time to give thanks for those victories. Share those victories with other believers to encourage them. Has God given you victory over an addiction? Has God restored a broken relationship? Has God made a miraculous provision for you when you didn’t have what you needed?

9 Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom?
10 Have you not rejected us, O God? You do not go forth, O God, with our armies.
11 Oh, grant us help against the foe, for vain is the salvation of man!
12 With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes.
(Psalm 60:9-12 ESV)

In verses 9-12, the psalmist focuses on putting all his confidence in God’s abilities. The psalmist turns his attention to what will happen “with God.”

In times of war, focus on what God will do, not the enemy’s attacks.

The final words of Psalms 60 in verse 12 speak of God’s ability to put our foes under his feet. He will be in authority over them. When we spend time with God, our hearts will be filled with courage.

When you feel sad and overwhelmed by the news headlines, take time to pray through Psalm 60. When you feel weighed down from your own spiritual battles, allow the truth of God’s word to tend your war-weary soul.

Prayer

Here’s another prayer for Israel from Psalm 7.