READ Psalm 60:1–5. 1 You have rejected us, God, and burst upon us; you have been angry—now restore us! 2 You have shaken the land and torn it open; mend its fractures, for it is quaking. 3 You have shown your people desperate times; you have given us wine that makes us stagger. 4 But for those who fear you, you have raised a banner to be unfurled against the bow. 5 Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered.
HOW TO PRAY A DISASTER. Israel had been attacked.43 David discerns that the real threat to his people is not military force but the judgment of God (verses 1–3). Therefore the only “banner” of defense is prayer (verse 4–5). To pray is to unfurl the ultimate royal colors. In prayer David says they have been “rejected” (verse 1) yet at the same time are “those you love” (verse 5). God’s anger is that of a father who is unconditionally committed to his children but because of that is furious at their sin. There is nothing that affects us like the displeasure of one we love and adore. This fatherly anger, full of unfailing love, when understood, is a transforming motivation that makes us willing and able to change.
Prayer: Lord, if you were only a God of holy perfection, I’d be too crushed under a sense of my inadequacy to change. If you were only a general spirit of love, I’d be complacent in my sin. But you are a God of holy love—help me respond with repentance through Jesus. Amen.