Transcript:

Hi! Welcome to Psalms for Troubled Times, Episode Five. Today, I’m going to look at Psalm 11. My name is Annette Bell, and I’m the host of Overcoming the Tribulation, which is mostly focused on preparing our hearts for the return of Christ. If you haven’t already subscribed, I invite you to hit the subscribe button. And also, if you click the notification bell, you will receive a notice when I’ve posted a new video.

Psalm 11

Psalm 11. For the director of music. Of David.

In the LORD I take refuge. How, then, can you say to me: “Flee like a bird to your mountain. For look, the wicked bend their bows, they set their arrows against the strings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart. When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?”

The LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD is on His heavenly throne. He observes the sons of men; His eyes examine them. The Lord examines the righteous, but the wicked and those who love violence His soul hates. On the wicked He will reign fiery coals and burning sulfur; a scorching wind will be their lot. For the LORD is righteous, He loves justice; upright men will see His face.

Two Responses

There are two responses a person can have when the wicked are intent on oppressing the righteous: one, flee; or two, trust God. David has a friend who’s advocating flee, while David himself is advocating trust God.

Perspective

Didn’t David flee from Saul? Yes. Didn’t David spend time fleeing in the wilderness? Yes. So how do we appropriate this? I think the key is in the perspective of the mind. The person who chooses the first response, to flee, has a “sky is falling” perspective. They’re trying to do everything they can to save their lives. It’s driven by a fear of man. The second person knows that God is on His throne, that He sees everything, that He is a refuge for the righteous, and ultimately, He’s motivated by a fear of God.

Jesus said, “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.” He also said, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul, but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell?” (That’s Jesus, of course.)

It’s not a sin to flee danger, but who are we fearing more? God or man? That’s the important thing.

Essentially, what David is saying to his unnamed friend is, in the LORD I take refuge, so why are you telling me to be afraid of men killing me? God is on His throne. He sees everything. He is just. The wicked will get what they deserve. Trust in the LORD! That’s the message of Psalm 11.

Thank you for watching episode five of Psalms for Troubled Times. I hope it was encouraging to you. If so, would you click the like button?

Thank you, and have a blessed day.