Psalm 60:11-12 (ESV)
11 Oh, grant us help against the foe,
for vain is the salvation of man!
12 With God we shall do valiantly;
it is he who will tread down our foes.
In this psalm, we see the prayer of a person in need. They know that there is no hope in their own strength. They cry out to the Lord, and they know that only in the working of God is their salvation.
This morning, I read a lot of gloom and doom in the social media posts of believers. Truthfully, I share in their feelings. It appears that the nation in which I live is making foolish choice after foolish choice. It is true that, in our nation, all forms of basic, common-sense morality have gone out the window. I cannot recall an election cycle where I was more personally disinterested in any of the candidates.
Yet, I recall, as the psalmist wrote, that our salvation, our victory, our protection is only in the Lord. Only God can accomplish his will in our nation. Only God can accomplish his will in my life. Only God, by his power, can build his kingdom. And God will, by his power, allow nations to rise and fall. My hope is only in him and his victory. And, by the grace of God and through the word of God, I know that this victory is assured.
Lord, I do not know what your plans are for me or for my nation. I often am tempted to despair of the nation ever turning to you and repenting of sin. Yet, I also know that you are Lord. Your right arm is strong and mighty to save. You can change the course of the nation. You can change the course of a life. I ask that you turn me from sin and to obedience. I ask that you turn my family and church from sin and toward obedience. I ask that you turn my city from sin and toward obedience. I ask that you turn this nation from sin and toward obedience. I acknowledge that only in your power is victory possible. I acknowledge that, should you will it, your victory is sure. Have mercy on us, o God, and display your glory.
Pastor Travis Peterson 