Old certainties are being upended. I ask Jesus what he is doing?
God! you walked off and left us, kicked our defences to bits And stalked off angry.
Psalm 60v1 Message
When the things I relied on are kicked away. It is easy to say it was the devil or bad luck. But what if it is God? Were those defences a defence against Him?
My defences against an uncertain world can inadvertently defend me against the God who loves me. My reliance on the “certainties” of an established world order squeeze out trust in God most high.
You made your people look doom in the face, then gave us cheap wine to drown our troubles.
Psalm 60v3 Message
When my defences fail, I can try to escape with sedatives – maybe the cheap wine of a smart phone. Sedatives put off facing the deeper issues.
Then you planted a flag to rally your people, an unfurled flag to look to for courage.
Psalm 60v4 Message
The Lord is not indifferent when he has removed our defences or exposed our cheap wine. He unfurls his flag – Jesus. Not that Jesus steps in and makes the world order right. That would enable a return to our defended comfort. No, he invites us to trust him in the ensuing chaos.
Jesus said,
In this world you will have trouble, but take heart. I have overcome the world.
John 16v33
Photo by Nicola Barts