Clergy/Leaders’ Mail-list No. 1-087 Sunday 06 May 2001

Reading: PSALM 60 – FACING UP TO LIFE’S REVERSAL

(From ‘Encounter with God’ Bible Reading Notes)

God has not promised us that life will be plain sailing; but he does assure us of his presence and direction. Thank him today.

How could sweet victory be transformed into bitter defeat? How could shouts of jubilation turn to mournful lamentation? How could a stunning success end in a crashing failure? This passage is a national lamentation for an unexpected reversal experienced by King David in one of his military campaigns.(See 2 Sam 8:3-6) While he was winning in one area, enemies sneaked into another and wrought havoc on his men. The sudden turn of events brought public humiliation to Israel. Hence the intensity of the lament.

What can we learn from this song? We can turn defeat into prayer (vs 1-5). The psalmist does this, implying that it is God’s business to lift his people out of their misery. Their defeat has drawn them closer to God rather than alienating them from him. When you experience a setback, turn to prayer. Prayer brings us into the presence of God. Prayer opens up our eyes of faith.

We can remind God of what he has promised us. The Jews believed they were God’s chosen people (vs 6-12). We too, are children of promise.(See Gal 4:28) Depending on our circumstances, all of us have received certain promises from his Word. If that is so, then let us hang onto them before God, especially if their fulfilment seems long overdue.

Once we claim God’s promises for ourselves. We can play our part. ‘Give us aid against the enemy for the help of man is worthless’ (v 11). David and his army had yet to fight, but this time victory is assured with God on their side. In the same way, we don’t hang back whining about our sorry predicament, rather, we take hold of ourselves and using the resources God has given us, turn to action. God is able to turn things right side up for us again.

Are you on the downside of life at the moment? Think of God’s promises to you and claim them from him today.

– Evelyn Miranda-Feliciano

Copyright Scripture Union, 2001