Psalms 11
Psalms 11:1-7 (NLT)
1 For the choir director: A psalm of David. I trust in the LORD for protection. So why do you say to me, “Fly like a bird to the mountains for safety!
2 The wicked are stringing their bows and fitting their arrows on the bowstrings. They shoot from the shadows at those whose hearts are right.
3 The foundations of law and order have collapsed. What can the righteous do?”
4 But the LORD is in his holy Temple; the LORD still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth.
5 The LORD examines both the righteous and the wicked. He hates those who love violence.
6 He will rain down blazing coals and burning sulfur on the wicked, punishing them with scorching winds.
7 For the righteous LORD loves justice. The virtuous will see his face.
There is a place of safety and great security where the face of the Lord is seen. The blood of Jesus has given us direct access to that place. While the rest of the world is running to failing perceptions of security and protection, we can access the only truly safe place that is shielded from the threats of the world and the oppression and fear it would engender. The justice and peace that would cause the soul to rest in confidence are secured there in His holy presence every time our place is taken at His side.
With an ever-increasing awareness of His presence and His eyes upon our hearts and actions, we are freed from the cares of this world with joy. The things that cause the wicked to run in fear don’t have to overwhelm us, as our refuge will not be affected by what causes them to tremble. There is surely a perilous end to evil intentions, but we’ve been established in a righteousness that sets us apart from the tragic end of the self-righteous. Forever, we’ve been given a name that is run to with boldness, anticipation, and unshakeable confidence.
I love this translation of verse 7-
Psalm 11:7
[7] GOD’s business is putting things right; he loves getting the lines straight, Setting us straight. Once we’re standing tall, we can look him straight in the eye.