THE SHAKEN LAND

Psalms 60:1-3

1 You have rejected us, O God, and burst forth upon us;

you have been angry-now restore us!

2 You have shaken the land and torn it open;

mend its fractures, for it is quaking.

3 You have shown your people desperate times;

you have given us wine that makes us stagger.

4 But for those who fear you, you have raised a banner

to be unfurled against the bow. Selah

5 Save us and help us with your right hand,

that those you love may be delivered.

The land of Haiti has been shaken. The earthquake of January 12th, 2010 has shaken Haiti’s infrastructure, the government, the economy, people’s emotions / mental state, and people’s lives. Most importantly it has shaken the nation spiritually.

In this Psalm, David is speaking of God’s judgment bursting forth upon them. I believe the quake was God’s judgment for both the wicked and His people that all people may bow down before the Lord and call upon His name and turn from their own way, as many have already done.

Now we are to pray as David prayed, “….now restore us! You have shaken the land and torn it open; mend its fracture, for it is quaking.” “Save and help us with your right hand that those you love may be delivered.”
As believers, what should be our stance? Should we be blaming others for our trouble? NO! Should we be blaming God? NO Should we be wallowing in self-pity and/or focused on our own needs? NO

Our first stance is to position ourselves in prayer for the land and its people, including the government and the wicked. The second stance is to make every effort to mend its fractures. We must not only call upon God to mend the land, and help us. We must act to mend the land and bring help to all that come across our path. The church of Haiti has a great opportunity to show the love of Christ, and the way to Christ. It is in the darkest times that His people shine the brightest if they are truly His people.

In order to accomplish this, we must have the same faith as David and declare, “you have raised a banner”. When David speaks of a banner here, he is speaking of God’s great might. He is speaking of victory. Praise the Lord! Those who fear Him are victorious.