Psalm 11 is a comforting reminder in these uncertain times.
Verses 1-3 begin with David’s confidence is in the LORD alone. ( “In the LORD I take refuge). In the same verse we hear the advice of David’s counselors who are fearful and encouraging him to flee to the mountains because the “foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?”
The counselors have a horizontal view of all that is happening and are fearful. One commentary I read said: They see evil and lawlessness in society and the nation and are fearful its social order and institutions might crumble (verse 3). (that sounds all too familiar in these present times!)
However, David keeps an eternal perspective and reminds those ( and us!) that “the LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD’s throne is in heaven his eyes see, his eyelids test the children of man.” (verse 4)
What was happening in David’s time at the writing of this Psalm is so much like what is happening in our world today and Psalm 11 reminds us that God is sovereign, ruling over the affairs of all. And in God’s appointed time judgment will fall on all those who do evil, for “His soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence.” (verses 5-6).
This Psalm encourages and reminds us to fix our eyes on Jesus (Psalm 119:5) and transform our minds (Romans 12:2) as not to be conformed to this world.
In the days when I and so many struggle with anxious thoughts/fearful thoughts David reminds us look at all things with an external perspective and to remember the goodness and greatness of God.
Psalm 11 ends with “The LORD is righteous; he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face.” So what do we do after our eyes are fixed on Jesus and we have an eternal perspective and there is still chaos and uncertainty in our world and in our circumstances?
We are to trust God and keep doing what is right. “The LORD loves righteous deeds”…..so we are not to be passive in the midst of the decaying culture but rather we are perform deeds that are righteous and to be salt and light in all we do and say (Matt 5:13-16) so we can be impactful for His kingdom as we point others to the gospel of Jesus.
Following Jesus will ultimately bring joy and peace to our hearts for HE is our peace… “the righteous shall behold his face.”
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13
- Karen P.