1 I have taken refuge in the Lord. How can you say to me, “Escape to the mountains like a bird!"
2 For look, the wicked string bows; they put their arrows on bowstrings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart.
3 When the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?
4 The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord—his throne is in heaven. His eyes watch; his gaze examines everyone.
5 The Lord examines the righteous but hates the wicked and those who love violence.
6 Let him rain burning coals and sulfur on the wicked; let a scorching wind be the portion in their cup.
7 For the Lord is righteous; he loves righteous deeds. The upright will see his face.
Trusting God as Our Refuge and Foundation
"If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything." – Myron Golden.
Psalm 11 begins with a declaration of trust in the Lord:
I have taken refuge in the Lord. How can you say to me, “Escape to the mountains like a bird!" (Psalm 11:1, CSB).
This psalm, attributed to David, vividly describes a man surrounded by threats. The wicked seem to have the upper hand, their weapons drawn, aiming to destroy the upright. Yet, rather than succumb to fear or despair, David anchors himself in the unshakable truth of God's sovereignty and justice.
A Challenge to Our Faith
Life often presents situations that challenge our faith. Like David, we might feel the pressure to "flee to the mountain" when circumstances seem insurmountable. Myron Golden's quote reminds us to stand firm in our beliefs, especially in adversity. The temptation to run, give in, or compromise can be substantial when the foundation beneath us feels like it is crumbling.
David's rhetorical question in verse 1—"How can you say to me?"—reveals his determination to resist the voices of doubt and fear. These external or internal voices can shake our confidence and lead us to question God's presence and power. But David chooses a different path: he takes refuge in the Lord.
The Lord is Our Refuge
What does it mean to take refuge in the Lord? It means placing our complete trust in His ability to protect, sustain, and guide us. Refuge implies a place of safety, a shelter from danger. In the context of Psalm 11, David reminds us that God is not distant or uninvolved. Instead, He is actively observing from His heavenly throne:
"The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord—his throne is in heaven. His eyes watch; his gaze examines everyone." (Psalm 11:4, CSB).
David keeps it honest and reminds us that God sees and knows everything. He is not blind to the injustices we face or the challenges we endure. His throne symbolizes His authority and control over all things. When we take refuge in Him, we align ourselves with His eternal purposes and trust that He is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).
The Righteous and the Wicked
David contrasts the fate of the righteous and the wicked in this psalm. While the wicked may appear to prosper for a time, their actions do not escape God's notice. Verse 6 states:
"Let him rain burning coals and sulfur on the wicked; let a scorching wind be the portion in their cup."
This imagery serves as a sobering reminder of God's judgment. The wicked may plot and scheme, but their end is destruction. For the righteous, however, there is hope and vindication.
Living Right When the World Is Unstable
David concludes the psalm with a profound truth:
"For the Lord is righteous; he loves righteous deeds. The upright will see his face." (Psalm 11:7, CSB).
To see God's face is to experience His favor, presence, and glory. It is the ultimate reward for those who remain steadfast in their faith. But how do we live upright when the world seems so unstable?
Anchor Yourself in God’s Word: Scripture reminds us of God’s promises and faithfulness. Meditate on passages like Psalm 11 to strengthen your trust in Him.
Reject Fear: Fear can paralyze us, but faith moves us forward. Like David, choose to take refuge in the Lord rather than in your abilities or resources.
Stand for Justice: God loves justice and calls His people to reflect His character. Seek to do what is right, even when difficult or unpopular.
Keep an Eternal Perspective: Remember that this life is temporary, but God's kingdom is eternal. Focus on the things that truly matter.
Let me conclude with the lesson of Psalm 11: We must stand firm in our faith, trusting in God’s sovereignty and justice even when life feels uncertain. Myron Golden’s words echo this biblical truth: We must take a stand, anchored in God’s promises, or risk being swept away by fear and doubt.
May we, like David, declare boldly, “In the Lord I take refuge,” and live with the confidence that the upright will one day see His face.
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