In verses 1-5 David describes the shock of a major defeat but the unshakeable faith in God and he cries out for help because he trusts in Godamprsquos love.
David reminds me that when God fights for me I have victory because God never loses. When I suffer a defeat, David shows me that I need to cry out to him with strong emotion: ampldquoYou have rejected us, God, and burst upon usamprdquo (1), ampldquoYou have shaken the land and torn it openamprdquo (2), ampldquoyou have given us wine that makes us staggeramprdquo (3). And he reminds me to immediately cry out to God for help: ampldquonow restore us!amprdquo (1), ampldquoSave us and help us with your right handamprdquo (5).
When Iamprsquove fallen on hard and suffering times in my life, I was quick to complain but glacier slow in calling for help. Instead of calling for help from God, I demanded self-righteously why I was suffering my defeat. Even though I wanted help, I wanted God to justify himself to me first! I was a perfect Job instead of a David.
Here are some of my arrogant questions to my Lord: After failing to be promoted, Why donamprsquot I have a higher paying position? When again my kids behave rudely or discourteously, Why do my children misbehave so publicly? After yet another rejection by a publisher, I ask, Why donamprsquot I have writing success? After a fight with my wife, Why did you give me a wife like her?
My sense of entitlement and deserving gets in the way of my faith and asking God for help in the midst of my defeats. My recent bout of illness is a case in point. Did I thank God for getting sick? No. Did I immediately look to myself for a cause? No. Did I get down on my knees and cry out for restoration? No.
I behaved in a thoroughly faithless way, and as I read and re-read Psalm 60 I stand in awe of Davidamprsquos attitude towards God. Iamprsquom more like Peter wanting to walk on water with Jesus but as soon as I take a few amazing steps with him I break faith, start to sink, and call out, ampldquoHelp my unbelief!amprdquo
ampldquoHuman help is worthlessamprdquo (11), says David, but itamprsquos to human help--mine and others--that I too often turn to. I need to say with David, ampldquoWith God we will gain victoryamprdquo (12).
Application: Do what I should have done weeks ago: Call out to God for healing.
Lord, let me always keep my eyes on you and see in you the loving author of my restoration from repeated defeat.
