Sometimes it is difficult to appropriate the Psalms to our personal situations. How can the theological anthems of an ancient civilisation bear any relevance to you and me today? Warrior-like language of “gaining victory” and “trampling down enemies” is so far removed from my personal context. I feel mildly fraudulent applying these songs to myself.

And yet, the Bible tells us that God’s people always have and always will face opposition from the world. For as long as this world exists in its present form, we will always have enemies. The truth of God’s word will always conflict with the false values and false gods of those around us. Amid such hostility, we need Jesus’ words to be ever-present with us: “Remember, they hated me first.”

To know we have solidarity with our Lord like this affirms that we stand on the side of truth. Moreover, to know our Lord persevered through such hostility, to know he was tempted in every way but was without sin, to know that he trampled sin and death through his death and resurrection, and to know he now lives by his Father’s side ruling and reigning and preparing to return affirms that we stand on the side of life.

We have gained victory, in Jesus. We will gain victory, in Jesus. Death, the last enemy to be defeated, has already been dealt its death blow.

Our God’s loving faithfulness to us in this is extraordinary. Though we are still under attack, we know we’re on the winning side. Though we are on the winning side, we know we need to be guarded and defended. And so he supplies us with his means of grace to help us stand firm to the end.

By his Spirit, we turn up. By his Spirit, we put ourselves in the way of his mercies. And by his Spirit, we will remain on the side of victory.