“…and his banner over me was love.” -Song of Solomon 2:4

If you were going to customize your very own flag or banner, what would you put on it? A smiley face? A shield? Stars and stripes? Your favorite team logo? Or maybe a cross, like the one I penciled in on the stock image above?

For a long time flags have held strong significance for people. The flag that flies overhead always tells a story about the ones underneath it. For better or worse, it symbolizes what matters to them, what they believe in. As we know, flags can either inspire courage, or they can spark controversy.

In Psalm 60, David describes a special flag that God placed over him and his people. Weary from doing battle, David was looking forward to better days ahead. As the tide of the battle began to turn, David declared,

“You have given your loyal followers a rallying flag,
so that they might seek safety from the bow.” -David, Psalm 60:4 (NET Bible)

Maybe this is just figurative language for the idea that God had rescued David from yet another battle, or maybe it was a literal flag. Either way, the concept of a rallying flag is powerful, isn’t it?

Imagine yourself flying a flag that stands for the truth that in and through Christ, you can always rally – no matter how far down or personally defeated you may feel. Truth is, just as God gave such a flag to David, so He has given a rallying flag to everyone who places faith in His Son, Jesus (See I John 5:4-5).

I don’t know about you, but I need to be reminded that because of Jesus, I can always rally, even on those days when it seems like it’s hopeless. That rallying flag reminds me that by God’s grace I can stand up and keep expecting God to be faithful and strong on my behalf.

The message of the cross and an empty tomb forever verify that even when we’re down, we’re never out. Adversity is real, but so is hope.

Maybe you’re facing your own battle today and victory seems impossible. You feel like you don’t have a chance. If so, it’s time to get out your rallying flag and fly that thing as high as you can.

I’ll join you.

But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

-Paul, I Corinthians 15:57

It’s a new day with God. Run with it.