Psalms 11

Psalms 11:1

Psalm 11: Why Flee When You Can Trust?Psalms 11 is an antidote for gloomy headlines. When the news is all badwars, violence, crime, corruption and political unrestDavid reminds us that we can rise above the circumstances of life by keeping our eyes on the Lord. It seems that when David had opened his front door, a frenzied visitor had burst in. His face was pale and drawn, his eyes were popping with excitement and his lips were quivering. In jerky, breathless gasps he told of imminent disaster and advised David to head for the hills. This Psalm is David’s answer to the pessimistic visitor’s counsel of despair and discouragement. 11:1-3 David first states his simple trust in the LORD as his refuge: “Why flee when you can trust?” Then he reproaches Calamity Charlie for seeking to disturb his peace. Notice that the text from verse 1b through verse 3 contains the words of the gloom peddler. It begins with “Flee as a bird to your mountain.” He had said to David, in effect, “You are as insignificant and defenseless as a little bird. The best thing you can do is escape. Criminals now have the upper hand, and they are armed to the teeth, ready to gun down decent, law-abiding citizens. Law and order have vanished and the foundations of society are crumbling. This being so, what hope do you think there is for a righteous person like you?” 11:4-6 What hope? Why, the LORD, or course! The LORD is in His holy temple, and nothing can stop the fulfillment of His plans! His throne is in heaven, unmoved and unmovable, no matter what kingdoms on earth may rise or fall. Though nothing can disturb God’s poise and serenity, He is nevertheless concerned about the doings of the sons of men. He not only sees what happens but constantly makes value judgments about the righteous and the wicked. Although God is infinite love, His soul hates men who practice violence. He will rain down a storm of judgment on them; the rain will be coals of fire and brimstone and the wind will be scorching heat. 11:7 Just as God hates the violent man, so He loves the righteous. God Himself is righteous and He loves righteousness. The ultimate reward of the upright will be to stand in God’s presence. So we need not get all upset over the headlines. The waves of adverse circumstances may seem to be against us at any particular time, but the tide of God’s irresistible purpose is sure to win in the end. He everywhere hath sway, and all things serve His might; His every act pure blessing is, His path unsullied light. We comprehend Him not, yet earth and heaven tell God sits as sovereign on the throne and ruleth all things well. Author unknown