Passage: Psalm 11
The Big Idea
When friends urge David to flee like a bird to the mountains, he refuses. His refuge is the Lord, who sees everything from His throne and tests the righteous. Every other refuge is an idol. If the foundation of God’s grace is reliable, there’s nothing to fear.
Reflections
In the Lord I put my trust (v. 1). Every other refuge is idolatry. Only God can be my deliverer, counselor and Savior. There are mountains I could run to, but I’ll wait for Him instead, and watch Him prove His goodness.
The wicked bend their bow (v. 2). The dangers are real and the enemies hate me. But I choose to stand with the righteous, even though I can’t deliver myself.
If the foundations are destroyed (v. 3). If what I’m standing on, the grace of God, were faulty, there’d be no hope. But if God is reliable, I have nothing to fear.
The Lord is in His holy temple (v. 4). God sees, and He is reliable. He uses every threat as a test for His beloved children: will we trust Him?
The Lord tests the righteous (vv. 5-6). Hard things happen to righteous and wicked alike. The difference is the relationship with God. For His children, every trial is a test that refines us. For the unrepentant wicked, there’s a cup of judgment. Thank God Jesus drank that cup for all who will trust Him, and offers living water instead.
The upright will behold His face (v. 7). God is consistent in His character. He loves righteousness, and in Christ we will see His face.
Grace Takeaway
When everything in you wants to flee to the mountains, take refuge in the Lord instead. His throne is still in heaven, and the foundation of His grace can’t be shaken.
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