Not always, nor in every circumstance, does everything go well for God’s people. There are times of fear when it seems like no answer is coming when we pray, and the difficulties seem to get greater daily. Things go on a downward course so quickly that we think defeat is already here, and we get desperate for an answer from God. But none comes. So, what are we able to do? To whom are we able to express our worries and concerns safely? In this psalm, we learn that David knew God well enough that even when he and the nation of Israel were in urgent and dire circumstances, God heard him when he prayed, even though he did not get an answer.
Israel’s temporary military defeat by Edom and Syria was from the Lord. It appeared to them that God was forsaking His people. There was trouble so great it shook them like an earthquake. They were staggering as a nation economically, politically, and socially like a drunk man. The problems they had were very serious, and they knew it. They were sure they had been “cast off” by God, and the situation in which they were found was urgent.
In times like these, we are more conscious than ever of our need for God in every aspect of our lives. When we feel abandoned, prayer is more important to our well-being than comfort in the prayer of assurance and ongoing fellowship with God. We cannot defend ourselves from the world, the flesh, and the devil. We need God. We cannot defeat these enemies without divine power working on our behalf. Like Israel, when they met stiff resistance from their enemies and a temporary defeat, we need to remember who we are and to whom we belong. “Though trials oppress us and burdens distress us, He never forsaketh His own.” He may sometimes leave us to our own devices until our faith is again strengthened in the Lord.
There was confidence on the part of the psalmist in the fact that, because they were God’s people, there was a “banner” of distinction that set them apart from others. His banner over us is love. Our banner, which we follow, is the truth of God. This identifies us despite what other people and religions say is right in their eyes. God’s truth is our truth, contrary to what many say today, “Your truth is your truth, and my truth is my truth. You don’t have the right to judge my truth because it differs from yours.” For the people of God, our answer is like the psalmist: "God hath spoken in His holiness.” That is what counts. Earnest prayer often comes from defeat.
What was important was God’s promise to His people, His power, and His ownership of every city and territory, rather than a historical event. True, God had allowed judgment instead of blessing Israel for His own reasons, but it brought the nation back to Him. He assured them that He knew and owned everything and controlled every nation. It is only through God that victory can come. The Lord promises victory. Israel was temporarily delivered and will be finally delivered at the end of the tribulation. When God's voice is heard, we can be assured, even though the enemy is well-armed. The enemy may think they have won, but the Lord will use Moab to wash His feet. Edom is His by the covenant of the shoe. The lesson is not to be too taken up by who and what is against you, but by who you are and why this has happened to you. God’s people must always be in fellowship and communion with Him.
In the last part of the psalm, the writer wants to know who will “bring me” and “who will lead me.” Then, he expresses his confident hope in God. “Through God, we shall do valiantly.” The public complaint gives way to an emerging hope and a plea for help. Then, there is the confident assurance of victory. God will restore His people. He did it then, and He will do it now. When we find ourselves wondering and wavering, we need to understand personally that victory for us is Christ alone.
Israel’s future is tied to God’s reputation for keeping His promises. They will find the peace and blessing He has promised. Our “Victory in Jesus” is real today when we find ourselves in happy fellowship with Him. It is then that we experience the help and power of the Lord we need for day-to-day living and for the dangerous and urgent events that come upon us unexpectedly.