During the Covid-19 pandemic that swept our world, Christians met online because they couldn’t gather in church. We encouraged each other on our computers and phones, often through music and song. For example, many churches (up to 300) in different nations sang “The Blessing” over their country. Thousands of Christians ministered to a suffering world through song.

David was doing the same in Psalm 108. We don’t know its exact context, but it seems that Israel is again under threat from her historic enemy, Edom. Edom was a kingdom to the south of Israel and its people were descendants of Esau, Jacob’s brother. Psalm 108 is a compilation of verses from two earlier psalms. Verses 1–5 are found in Psalm 57:7–11 and verses 6–13 are taken from Psalm 60:5–12. Perhaps David combined these two parts and formed a new song to encourage the people in a new crisis.

The psalmist provides us with a model for corporate prayer in difficult times. Psalm 108 is in three parts. In verses 1–5, David begins with praise, proclaiming that he awakens the dawn with music (v. 2). I follow that example by beginning my day with songs of praise, listening to one of my favourite Christian songs. No matter how troubled your life might be, God deserves to be glorified. Why? “For great is [His] love, higher than the heavens” (v. 4). As Christians, we know even more than David “how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ” (Ephesians 3:18). Songs of praise can prepare us psychologically and emotionally to face the challenges before us.

David then prays: “Save us and help us with your right hand” (Psalm 108:6). Verses 7–8 speak of regions of Israel that God will protect since they belong to Him. In contrast, the Lord holds Israel’s enemies in contempt. In the Middle East, to hurl your shoe at someone is one of the worst insults possible. This psalmist records God as saying, “On Edom I toss my sandal” (v. 9), fulfilling what He had promised Abraham: “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse” (Genesis 12:3).

Finally, David expresses his confidence in God’s (and His people’s) victory (Psalm 108:13). Likewise, Revelation 2:11 describes those who trust in Christ as “victorious”. Like Israel, this doesn’t mean our enemies, both physical and spiritual, won’t threaten us or even hurt us. But our Lord and Saviour Jesus has overcome them all. Like David, in times of great danger we can confidently sing to one another, “With God we will gain the victory” (Psalm 108:13).