When the World is Against Us
For the Lord is righteous; he loves righteous deeds. The upright will see his face.
Psalm 11:7 (CSB)
David writes Psalm 11 while grappling with the feeling that both the world and his friends conspire against him, offering no support. This situation is reminiscent of Job's struggle with his four friends, who also fail to provide comfort during his time of pain, suffering, and sorrow. In Psalm 11, David seeks refuge and longs to escape the hardships he faces. However, he finds himself confronted with additional trials and a lack of support at every turn. Ultimately, Psalm 11 teaches us that even when the world seems to be against us, we must learn to place our trust in the Lord amidst these challenges.
A Call to Steadfastness (1). David proclaimed that he seeks refuge in the Lord. The act of taking refuge happens when we align our hearts to a state of steadfastness. Steadfastness is the capacity to cling to our faith regardless of the trials and challenges we encounter. It represents the determination to not abandon the Lord. David illustrates the necessity of holding on to God at all costs and allowing our faith to develop and strengthen throughout our journey with Him.
No One Escapes Persecution (2). The call to remain steadfast in faith is essential, as everyone faces opposition. In verse 1, David is urged by those around him to flee and hide, yet he understands that evasion is futile since the opposition relentlessly pursues. The New Testament encourages us to rejoice in our trials and temptations (James 1:2-4). This serves as a reminder that pain is an unavoidable part of life for all.
The Purpose of a Foundation (3). David acknowledges that a foundation in the Lord is essential. When our foundation is established elsewhere, it becomes weakened and can collapse. In verse 3, David poses a thought-provoking question: What will we do when the foundations in our lives fail? Ultimately, he emphasizes that the only true foundation that remains steadfast is found in the Lord. Consider the parable of the two men constructing their homes—one on rock and the other on sand (Matthew 7:24-27).
Trust in God's Providence (4). David had faith in the Lord's providence. When we place our trust in the Lord's providence, we rely on the assurance that He takes care of His people, even when circumstances seem impossible. Our faith in God’s providence deepens as we rest in His eternal and heavenly rule. Simultaneously, we depend on God to provide for us throughout our journey and to lead us on our path. Reflect on how the Lord cared for the children of Israel as they left Egypt.
God Is Active In Your Life In His Timing (5-6). God engages with His children and does not merely observe from a distance. He actively works within His creation. His responses to human actions occur in His timing and manner. Although the Lord’s timing might differ from ours, we should strive for our timing to correspond with His.
The Lord Is Righteous And Requires Righteousness (7). The Lord values the actions of the righteous, as these actions stem from genuine motivation and intention. Those deemed righteous through their relationship with Jesus will find justification and receive eternal life with the Lord. While we are called to pursue righteousness as God’s children, we should understand that our righteousness comes from being clothed in the righteousness of Christ at the time of salvation.
QUESTIONS
How would you define your steadfast grip to the Lord?
How faithful are you in aligning your timing to the timing of the Lord?
