BROKE

¹In Judah God is known, his name is great in Israel.
²His abode has been established in Salem, his dwelling place in Zion.
³There he broke the flashing arrows, the shield, the sword, and the weapons of war.
⁴Glorious are you, more majestic than the everlasting mountains.
⁵The stouthearted were stripped of their spoil; they sank into sleep; none of the troops was able to lift a hand.
⁶At your rebuke, O God of Jacob, both rider and horse lay stunned.
⁷But you indeed are awesome! Who can stand before you when once your anger is roused?
⁸From the heavens you uttered judgment; the earth feared and was still
⁹when God rose up to establish judgment, to save all the oppressed of the earth.
¹⁰Human wrath serves only to praise you, when you bind the last bit of your wrath around you.
¹¹Make vows to the Lord your God, and perform them; let all who are around him bring gifts to the one who is awesome,
¹²who cuts off the spirit of princes, who inspires fear in the kings of the earth.

For me, the image of God as a victorious warrior does not resonate. Even as the word, ‘broke’ is used for God’s action against weapons of war, I am not comforted, but maybe this Psalm isn’t just for me. Maybe for some, having God as that fighting, strong and courageous warrior does bring comfort. Maybe you need the strength of the Lord as you fight foes like a cancer, or chronic illness or…Maybe the awesomeness of the O God of Jacob is exactly what you need?

Prayer

Awesome One, your victory is everlasting and your breaking of that which threatens us is assured in Christ’s ongoing work of salvation. We thank you and continue to pray for your warrior spirit. Be with those who need a victory in their lives, come Lord Jesus. Amen.