Fortifying Ourselves for Tough Battles Ahead – Psalm 11

By: Edward Cortez

 

The beginning of Psalm 11 is a declaration of intent. Regardless of the adversities that David is facing, he has made up his mind from the very beginning to trust in God. He categorically declares in verse one, “In the Lord I put my trust.”

It will be half the battle won if we have already made a decision in our heart to trust and rely upon God completely even before any event transpires or our circumstances change. David, by declaring his intent from the start to make God His refuge regardless of his situation in life, has fortified himself for tough battles ahead.

In Psalm 11, David feels the pressure from his enemies as they sneer at him, “Flee as a bird to your mountain.” With the influence of the wicked on the rise and his adversaries preparing to pounce on him, David is being forced to abandon all hopes and flee to the mountains. Christians in times past and the present do feel this kind of pressure when persecution arises, and they are taunted for their faith.

David surmises that when the moral and spiritual foundations of society break down there is little that the righteous can do. He says, “If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (verse 3). Perhaps a better question would be, “If the foundations are destroyed, can society sustain itself on its own?”

For society to thrive and prosper it must be built on the principles of truth and justice, respect for life and property of others, submission to authorities, personal accountability, and responsibility – all fundamental principles found and taught in the Scriptures. When these principles are removed or destroyed society will implode and chaos and disorder will be the natural consequences.

“If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” We remain steadfast by continuing to trust in God as David does, living out godly principles in an amoral culture, and demonstrating in tangible ways God’s love to fallen humanity. To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God as the prophet Micah exhorts us (Micah 6:8).

“The Lord is in His holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in heaven” (verse 4). In spite of the negative turn of events around us, God continues to occupy His throne, firmly in control and holding everything together through His wisdom and great power. In the end, true justice will prevail against God’s enemies and the righteous will always have God’s favor on their side.

This Psalm ends with a beautiful promise: “…His countenance beholds the upright” (verse 7). The upright meaning those who have trusted in Jesus’ redeeming work on the cross and not on their own ability to be good or righteous. It is Christ’s righteousness that makes us all upright before God. The Apostle Paul beautifully and powerfully states this truth: “But it is the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption, which is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:22-24).