Psalm 60
There are two points that I would like to discuss about chapter 60. First, the vivid portrayal of the lostness of man and his potential salvation of man. Second, the fact that God has given us something of worth that we can proclaim.
Chapter 60 begins by saying that God has cast us off, though has made the earth to tremble, and though hast shown us hard things. This is an illustration of the state of man when man sinned and became estranged from God. Verse 5 states that “thy beloved may be delivered; save with they right hand, and hear me.” Remember that Christ sits on the “right hand” of God the Father in heaven. God did save with his right hand: Christ died for us while we were yet sinners. Later, the chapter illustrates the new knowledge of a saved person. In verse 11 the psalmist writes, “Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man.” The psalmist has come to realize that he cannot save himself, but only God can save. And finally, in verse 12, the psalmist recognizes the victory we have in God because of His salvation.
The second part of today’s devotional is from verse 4, which reads, “Thou has given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah.” The salvation that God has given us, the wisdom he has provided to us, the talents and gifts that he bestowed upon us, all needs to be displayed without shame. We are all parts of the church. Each of us has different gifts. The greatest of which is the gift of salvation. We should not be ashamed of what God has done for us or the gifts he has given us. We should display them proud of the fact that God would use such as us.
Our students need to realize that there is worth in God and His word. Verse 4, says, “that it may be displayed”. Children sing the song, “This little light of mine . . . hide it under a bushel, No!” But in our society do we really teach them that what they believe: the Truth; is not to be ashamed of? They should know that and they should see us live that truth out in our lives.