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 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” (vs. 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.
3 thoughts on “Psalm 11”
In many of the Psalms David is fleeing from his enemies who seem unrelenting to see his demise. He runs straight to the Father to seek refuge. He knows God is still in charge and is not blind to this world and the wickedness that abounds. He knows God to be righteous and just and this is where he camps. The last verse gives me hope “the upright will see his face”. As we are living in unprecedented days as a nation, I want to remember 2 Chronicles 16:9 “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to show Himself strong for those whose hearts are completely His.” I’m guarding my heart today, examining my desires and realigning them with godly truth. Peace through the chaos is possible through Christ alone.
Corrie ten Boom said, “If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within, you’ll be depressed. But if you look at Christ, you’ll be at rest.”
Another perfect Psalm for this day.
I found today’s reading powerfully applicable to recent events in our nation. Praise God we have Christ as our Firm Foubdation!
When Foundations Crumble
“What can the righteous accomplish when truth’s pillars are destroyed and law and order collapse?
Yet the Eternal One is never shaken — he is still found in his temple of holiness, reigning as Lord and King over all. He is closely watching everything that happens. And with a glance, his eyes examine every heart. For his heavenly rule will prevail over all.
Remember this: the Righteous Lord loves what is right and just, and every godly one will come into his presence and gaze upon his face!”
-Psalms 11:3-4, 7 TPT