Read
(A psalm by David for the music leader.)
Trusting the Lord
1The Lord is my fortress!
Don't say to me,
“Escape like a bird
to the mountains!”
2You tell me, “Watch out!
Those evil people have put
their arrows on their bows,
and they are standing
in the shadows,
aiming at good people.
3What can an honest person do
when everything crumbles?”
4The Lord is sitting
in his sacred temple
on his throne in heaven.
He knows everything we do
because he sees us all.
5The Lord tests honest people,
but despises those
who are cruel
and love violence.
6He will send fiery coals
and flaming sulfur
down on the wicked,
and they will drink nothing
but a scorching wind.
7The Lord always does right
and wants justice done.
Everyone who does right
will see his face.
Reflect
When’s the best time to sing? Anytime!
Psalm 11 was written when David was in fear for his life – trying to avoid being killed by King Saul (cf. 1 Samuel 18-20). It’s simultaneously a lament and a song of trust – an expression of grief and a declaration of confidence in God.
Here’s why David could look beyond his adverse circumstances and place his trust in God:
Because God is our refuge (v.1-3).
David’s friends have doubtless heard about a plot to kill him. They’re convinced his enemies are going to sneak in, maybe under cover of darkness, to try and shoot him. Their advice is to run and hide. But David disagrees with them. He chooses faith over fear – believing the righteous are safe when they’re under God’s protection.
Because God is our redemption (v.4-6).
David’s friends were looking for answers in the physical realm. David looked for answers in the spiritual realm – to Heaven and the One who dwells there. He knows that when we’re looking for deliverance from sin there’s only one place to look, and that’s up. For salvation belongs to the Lord (cf. Revelation 7:10).
Because God is righteous (v.7).
This is David’s emphatic conclusion. His confidence is in God because he knows that God is just, upright, morally pure, hates wickedness, and always acts in accordance with His character. It’s a bedrock trust. David sings despite his circumstances because he knows that God will never let him down, never be inconsistent, and never turn his back on him. That’s God. He “loves getting the lines straight” and “setting us straight” (Msg).
So trust God through thick and thin. For He is our Refuge, Redeemer, and the Righteous One.
Respond
In you O Lord do I put my trust. Even in the shadow of death, I will not fear, for you are with me. Amen.
Lawson Murray
Lawson is the President of Scripture Union Canada and the Managing Editor of theStory™. Lawson takes every opportunity to enthusiastically invite people of all ages to connect with Jesus and His Story. He says, “We have been given the greatest story ever - God's Story! Should we not, with all our might and energy immerse ourselves in it? I believe we should. For without the Story we really have nothing to offer the millions who hunger and thirst for something more. But, with God’s Story we have what everyone needs!” Publications: Bible Engagement Blog; Children’s Ministry Basics Blog, Bible Engagement Basics; Bible Beginners