In the American Civil War, flags gave direction in the chaos of battle. If fighters kept their unit’s flag in sight, they knew where to go. But if the flag went down, or even worse fell into the hands of the enemy, soldiers might find themselves lost in the midst of raging hostility.

Gratefully, the Lord raises a flag for us in our most difficult situations. You have shown your people desperate times; you have given us wine that makes us stagger. But for those who fear you, you have raised a banner to be unfurled against the bow.

In this psalm of lament God moves as a Divine Warrior. At times we stagger under the ceaseless demands and tragedies of life. Yet those who respect and follow the ways of the Lord find safety under his flag.

Even as King David felt the anger of the Lord burst against him, he returned again and again to God—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.

The Lord’s banner snaps in the wind. Those whose confidence rests in Him find plenty of room underneath.

Psalm 60 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Bernd 📷 Dittrich