Psalm 11: In the Lord I take refuge. How then can you say to me: “Flee like a bird to your mountain. 2For look, the wicked bend their bows; they set their arrows against the strings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart. 3When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?” 4The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord is on his heavenly throne. He observes everyone on earth; his eyes examine them. 5The Lord examines the righteous, but the wicked, those who love violence, he hates with a passion. 6On the wicked he will rain fiery coals and burning sulfur; a scorching wind will be their lot. 7For the Lord is righteous, he loves justice; the upright will see his face.
Today’s Three Pearls
- In the Lord I take refuge. How then can you say to me: “Flee like a bird to your mountain – v.1: The devout and trusting child of God does not run from his trials because he is confident that since no hair on his head can be touched without God’s permission, then God is allowing it for a reason. He will not leave the mighty Rock of Ages, whose name alone is a Strong Tower, and succumb to the enemy’s use of his friends advising him to run to his various mountains to hide or for deliverance. He will arm himself with Godly armor as described in Eph.6:10-18 and battle his way through the trial with the help of The Helper (Holy Spirit) to the outcome God has willed for him, all the while praying that his desired outcome and God’s are synonymous. Whatever that end might be, he would have won the prize of faithfulness to God under trial and proven himself. Winning the test of faithfulness through the fiery process means much more to God than the desired end the Christian is looking forward to. The Lord examines the righteous – v.5. Being proven is the real deal, everything else is extra.
- What can the righteous do when the foundations are being destroyed? – v.3-4: In times of national upheaval, when human policies and powers are uncertain, the righteous are called to ignore the temptation to give in to the fears of those who don’t know God intimately. They are called to remember that God’s heavenly throne is steadfast and unmovable no matter what; that the earth is still His footstool (Is.66:1); that He observes everyone (Ps.11:4) and that He either ordains or over-rules all that is happening. Because He has the final say and the ultimate power, they must remember that their prayers availeth much (James 5:16). Prayer is the key, and intercessory prayer more so. This is not science, it is faith.
- The upright will see His face – v.7 : May we not be more excited at the prospect of enjoying the company of a King or President than we are at the anticipation of seeing God’s face. O God, help us to get our priorities right.
Hilltop Thoughts, Valley Strengths 