Those lucky enough to know the story of the French Protestant Huguenots and to appreciate their modesty, steadfast faith, and longsuffering might not know that Psalm-singing was a very important part of Protestant life in the Calvinist tradition. The Huguenots were at the mercy of France's kings, ministers, and even common citizens, and it must have been an immense relief to read David's Psalms and relate to his constant terror and hardship.
Their scant physical protection came in the form of the Huguenot army that was raised during the Wars of Religion in the 1500s. The French Protestant cause was no longer helpless. Though atrocities were still commonplace and many people suffered loss of rights, torture, and death, there were banners behind which they might rally. Psalm 68 was considered the Huguenot Battle Hymn. Eyewitness accounts say that when the Huguenots chanted these words, the enemy trembled at the fervor and strength in Protestant voices:
May God arise, may His enemies be scattered;
may His foes flee before Him.
May You blow them away like smoke—
as wax melts before the fire,
may the wicked perish before God.
But may the righteous be glad
and rejoice before God;
may they be happy and joyful.
Even today, these powerful words fill our hearts with shivers just as they did in the days of the Huguenots. Let us follow the example of the French Protestants and take comfort in Psalm 68. Put on the full armor of God.
(c) 2012 Joyously Saved
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