Psalm 11 – The Lord is in His Holy Temple. Praying through the Psalms

Psalm 11 – The Lord is in His Holy Temple

There aren’t too many people in 1^st-world countries who will know what it's like to have to flee for their life because of injustice. David, however, was forced to flee for his life on more than one occasion. Though he was God’s anointed king, we know Saul forced David to run, and later, so did his own son, Absalom. When people go through trials, we're quick to doubt God and question why. David, however, remained firm and steadfast in his faith in God. Though men sought to kill him, he didn’t run out of fear; in wisdom he avoided conflict that would have resulted in many deaths.

In verses 1-3, David seems to be responding to advisors who told him to flee because they were afraid. They looked at the situation, saw what the wicked were doing, and asked, “What can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:3). Persecution is hard enough on its own; David's advisors made it that much harder by doubting the only One who could save them. God puts people in our lives with a purpose and plan, and sometimes even those who are for us are the ones testing our faith. We must remain steadfast even when others doubt. When we, like David, trust God wholeheartedly, that faith helps us to resist the urge to be afraid and reminds us of the hope and confidence we have in God, our heavenly Father. God is greater than any enemy we could ever face. David was not afraid because he knew that those who, by the Holy Spirit, commit “righteous deeds” (Psalm 11:7) shall one day “behold His face” (Psalm 11:7).

God does not prevent believers from going through hard times, but rather, as David said, “His eyes see, His eyelids test the children of man” (Psalm 11:4). 1 Peter 5:10 tells us, “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” Ultimately, God tests our faith so that we may be shaped, molded, and refined into a pure and faithful character that “will bring offerings in righteousness to the LORD” (Malachi 3:2-3). When we go through trials, when the wicked persecute us or seek to harm us, we can be thankful and confident in God's love. “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond comparison” (2 Corinthians 4:17). God promises us in John 16:33, “I have said these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” This knowledge should bring us great comfort in times of trouble.

Proverbs 3:5-7 says, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil." God wants us to trust in Him faithfully and steadfastly, no matter the situation. It's easy to trust and praise God in the good times: "But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind" (James 1:6). David's advisors thought "the foundations" were destroyed, but they did not have the right foundations. If your faith is strong when blessings abound, you will have a solid foundation of faith to rely on, and when a "wave of the sea" comes, you will not be "driven and tossed by the wind". "Be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on he rock" (Matthew 7:24b-25). Where are your foundations built?

 

Praying through the Psalms

O LORD, my God, my refuge and strength!

I come before You in humble adoration for You, O God, are a gracious and merciful God. Though I am not worthy, You have shown how great Your love for Your children truly is. You have tested my heart, and by Your Son Jesus Christ, have covered me in His righteousness. There is none like You, none that can stand against You. Your awesome power is displayed in all creation; Your just and righteous judgments are perfect and holy. The wicked shall be punished for their violence, for You hate all evil. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, O LORD, that I may live as Your law demands. You love Your children so much that You refine us as gold is refined by fire. Your will for us is perfect; You purify us, test our hearts, and give us refuge and strength. May You graciously forgive all my sins, through the blood of Christ Jesus, and fill me with the Holy Spirit so that I may have a firm foundation of faith through all things. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

 

Psalm 11: The Lord Is in His Holy Temple

To the choirmaster. Of David.

11 In the Lord I take refuge; how can you say to my soul, Flee like a bird to your mountain,
² for behold, the wicked bend the bow; they have fitted their arrow to the string to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart;
³ if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?

⁴ The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord's throne is in heaven; his eyes see, his eyelids test the children of man.
⁵ The Lord tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence.
⁶ Let him rain coals on the wicked; fire and sulfur and a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup.
⁷ For the Lord is righteous; he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face.