Read Psalm 11
For the director of music. Of David.
1 In the Lord I take refuge.
How then can you say to me:
“Flee like a bird to your mountain.
2 For look, the wicked bend their bows;
they set their arrows against the strings
to shoot from the shadows
at the upright in heart.
3 When the foundations are being destroyed,
what can the righteous do?”
4 The Lord is in his holy temple;
the Lord is on his heavenly throne.
He observes everyone on earth;
his eyes examine them.
5 The Lord examines the righteous,
but the wicked, those who love violence,
he hates with a passion.
6 On the wicked he will rain
fiery coals and burning sulfur;
a scorching wind will be their lot.
7 For the Lord is righteous,
he loves justice;
the upright will see his face.
Go Deeper
Protection provides peace. This is a simple truth that has a profound impact on our lives. Whenever we don’t feel protected, we’ll be prone to anxious thoughts and sleepless nights. We’ve all had moments where we feel a lack of protection when our finances aren’t steady, our health is disrupted, or our standing at our job is in question. Whenever these things are going awry, it’s hard to have peace because we don’t feel protected. In other words, our protection comes from our circumstances.
In Psalm 11, the first of what are referred to as “psalms of trust” or “imprecatory psalms”, we read about one of these situations where it seems like David’s protection has been removed. His enemies are after him and have him in their sights. David should be panicked. David should be on the run. David should be frustrated with God. But he isn’t.
In the midst of his dangerous circumstances, David is still at peace. He finds rest in the presence of his enemies because he knows that, “the LORD is righteous, he loves justice, the upright will see his face” (v. 7). Even though David’s situation seems out of control, his demeanor remains steady. He’s at peace because he believes the eyes of the Lord are on him and the power of God is with him.
Since David doesn’t find his protection from anything in the world, the world can’t take it away. He knows that his only true security can be found in the King who has never met an enemy too powerful. Therefore, although David’s life is at risk, he’s still at rest. Whenever we face chaos in our lives we can live with the same sort of confidence. We’re protected by the God of angel armies, and because of that we can live at peace.
Questions
Why do you think David was so confident in the Lord?
What does this chapter teach you about the character of God?
Where do you look for protection?
By the way
David references the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah here in v. 6 where he talks about the raining of fiery coals and burning sulfur. You can read more about that story in Genesis 19.
6 thoughts on “Psalms of Trust: Psalm 11”
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”
Psalms 20:7 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/psa.20.7.NIV
Trust, once you have been burned it is hard to regain but that is of the world. Our Father who gives good gifts does not let us go. Somedays we feel as if He is far but no, never. We are the ones who are far. Turning to the world for our safety is only going to bring heartache. Money, people, things are what we think will makes life better. All those are good, but not what God is having us seeking. Him, He is the answer to the questions. Looking first by seeking His kingdom Matthew 6:33 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. This is where our trust should lie. His ways are better. How, it is by prayer. Just talk to God.
God thank You for today. God help me glorify You today in these minutes You have given me. Thank You for becoming more and more aware of just talking to You. Thank You for me not just sinking into my own brain thoughts but that I cast my cares on You. Thank You that I will bring every thought captive and lay them at Your feet. Breath every breath with Your name, Ya-Way, in my breaths intentionally. God thank You for helping me to let go selfish pride today. My world and focus should be about You. You are with me through all seconds so I will commit to You God, all that I do, and You will establish Your plans for me. Psalm 143:8 Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I entrust my life in Jesus name amen.
WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In the most simple terms, our job is to tend and train our hearts in righteousness, everything else God will do. Seeing his face is our great reward.
God will help us guard our hearts.
“He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge” Psalm 144:2
God wants to be our protection.
“I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was someone like a son of man, dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”
Revelation 1:12-18
Do not be afraid, Jesus is King!
1 “In the Lord I take refuge“
Like an evacuation center in a natural disaster, I need to take refuge in the Lord in times of trouble. Run to nowhere else!