"Dread and resist the faintest whisper of retreat, whatever be the troubles and dangers of your course." - Biblical Illustrator
In this message, we would like to delve into Psalm 11:1-4. These four verses alone hold a uniquely relevant message for today's Christian and also contain important truths to grasp for the day
In this particular Psalm, David paints a very grim picture for us - "For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart. If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?"
Prophetically speaking, we see from the start that the "wicked" have an agenda against the righteous. (This is depicted by the action of fitting or fixing the arrow upon the string of the bow.) They are preparing for an attack. They are devising mischief. They have wicked designs and are about to execute them. Their work is a private and secret one - done treacherously and in darkness. Their whole idea of being "concealed in ambush" is so that the "upright in heart" will be caught off guard.
One thing we do not want to do at this point is to underplay these crafty and malicious foes. David is painting a very sobering picture here for us. It is imperative that we see it just as he paints it. Danger is imminent. The "wicked" are definitely on the hunt for the "righteous."
In his depiction, David also mentions the crumbling "foundations." These are the things on which society as a whole rests - that by which all social order is sustained. They consist of the great principles of truth and righteousness.
However, when he mentions that they are "destroyed," he is saying in a sense that all things are out of order and off course - in the church and the state. The laws - which are the "foundation" of government - are despised and disregarded... justice stands off...truth is slighted and set aside ...morality and godliness are being destroyed in unbridled lawlessness.
Yet, in spite of this grim picture, David opens the Psalm with a bold declaration of Faith - "In the LORD put I my trust..." We now see that this depiction was - at first - personal for him. He had vicious enemies - like King Saul and his mighty men - who were deadset on his destruction. In the "darkness," they were constantly devising mischief against him - waiting for the opportune moment to attack.
Yet, in the face of his crafty and malicious foes, he cries out - "In the LORD put I my trust..." At all times and in the worst of times, I will trust in Him.
Then, he follows this statement with a rather peculiar question - "...how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain?"
We gather that there is a "hidden audience" whom David is addressing here. To his grim depiction of up-to-date events, apparently there were those "timid counsellors" who were strongly advising him to rapidly "flee" to a place of safety. After all, the outlook was rather discouraging and his foes were many and strong - and gaining much ground.
Nonetheless, he saw right through this evil scheme. He recognized the coercing of his friends to be an actual temptation to distrust God. In a sense, what they were suggesting was to find another "hiding place" besides the LORD.
He was fully aware that every man has his "mountain," and his "mountain" happened to be in God. Therefore, he was resolved to "trust in the LORD" - at all times and even in the worst of times. Even if there were other things to trust in, he would not - dare not - rely upon them for help and safety. He felt as though his retreat would be a sign to his enemies that his God was an insufficient Helper.
No, he was determined that his only flight would be to the LORD as Proverbs 18:10 states - "The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe."
"...how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain?"
In other words, how dare you suggest to "flee" when I am trusting in the LORD and appealing to His authority and knowledge?
Don't you know that - "The LORD is in His holy temple, the LORD's throne is in heaven: His eyes behold, His eyelids try, the children of men" (Psalm 11:4)?
David had a revelation of God that gave him an unwavering confidence in His power to protect him. He knew that his God was the King of the universe. He knew that His God ruled and reigned. His God was enthroned in His temple in heaven in the seat of power or dominion - from whence issued the final decision of all earthly matters.
David knew that he had nothing to fear for nothing could be done in heaven, earth, or hell which His God did not ordain or over-rule. He was able to control all events that were transpiring. Nothing could stop the fulfillment of His plan.
"...how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain?"
How dare you tell me to "flee" to another "mountain" besides the "mountain" of the LORD's throne in heaven?
"The LORD is in His holy temple, the LORD's throne is in heaven..."
Hence,"in the LORD put I my trust."
David also "saw" the LORD "in His holy temple" "beholding..." In other words, he "saw" His God not as a mere spectator - not as One ignorant of what was going on - but as One Who - in the midst of the wild confusion - was scrutinizing all men's acts. His God saw what the wicked were doing in the dark. He also knew of David's condition, wants, and dangers and was ready to act on his behalf.
"...how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain?"
Why would you suggest that I find another "hiding place" when my God is my "refuge" in the midst of the "storm"?
He rules. He reigns. He is near to me. He sees me. He sees everything. He knows all the purposes of the wicked and all the needs of the righteous.
This Psalm is actually a rebuke intended for all those who advocate flight or compromise when Biblical principles are at stake.
We are living in the day that David described - when the moral and spiritual "foundations" are being "destroyed" in both society and the church. Lewdness is everywhere and demonism is rampant.
The church has her enemies. They "have made ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart."
Is it a time to back down on our beliefs? Is it a time to be quiet? Is it a time to run and hide?
In this Psalm, David is telling us - "No!" Just like him, we have a God Who rules and reigns over the affairs of men. He sees all that is happening - both public and private. We have no need to fear. He knows what our enemies are up to. He is fully aware of any future dangers that we face.
Our enemies may fit their "arrows" to the string of the "bow," but there is another "bow" that is bent that will be drawn before theirs.
David exhibited unwavering confidence in his God. His was an unshaken faith - in spite of the fact that he was beset by malicious foes. He had the understanding that his God was watching all human actions and was in total control over the affairs of men. It wasn't chance or caprice that settled things, but the will of his God.
At some time in your life, faith and fear will be in conflict. There will be those timorous and fainthearted counsellors who will tell you to "flee" - seek safety in compromise.
Beware of these who will advise you by their fears and not their faith.
Like David, trust confidently in your God. Appeal to His authority - that His "throne is in heaven" - and to His knowledge - that His "eyes behold."
"The LORD is in His holy temple..."
The LORD sees - "He beholds..."
Hence, "in the LORD put I my trust..."
May God Bless His Word,
Connie
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. (Isaiah 54:17)
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