~ Psalm 11 ~ Spiritual Journey From the Beginning to the End of the Psalm

~ Spiritual Journey From The Beginning To The End Of The Psalm ~

~ Psalm 11 ~

The Psalms are an affluent marvelous treasure trove of godly wisdom and profound reflective knowledge. In this Psalm David assures us that his awe-inspiring incontestable, unequivocal trust resides in the Lord. We must do likewise as the great King David of Israel did and turn to the Lord. When life hurls you an obstacle, mountain, contentious person, difficult situation or issue put your trust in the Lord!

David knew what it was like to be mistreated, unjustly pursued and persecuted by someone he loved. He was first in the court of King Saul his father in law. He had prestige and power, yet he still had to flee for his safety on several occasions. King Saul at one time favored and cared deeply for David. But he became jealous and obsessed with destroying him. He had his men to chase him unremittingly and persistently to the point David had to eventually hide in a cave.

David had been anointed and selected by the Lord yet he still was not exempt from hatred and injustices. Not only his father in law but his own son Absalom betrayed him. Here in this Psalm we can learn much. It is during times like this one must cling to the Lord and His Word. God truly is faithful. David knew he could trust the Lord. He also knew despite whatever was happening that the Lord was totally aware.

There is nothing that happens, or has happened, nor is there anywhere that we can go that the Lord is not totally aware of what’s going on. It is very important that we keep in mind that whatever it is the Lord can and will bring you through it. But we must learn to lean and depend on Him! It is good to know this passage of scripture. “Trust in the LORD with ALL your heart and lean not to your own understanding; in ALL your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3.

This does not mean that nothing will happen in your life that is bad, unexpected, difficult or grievous… Quite the contrary, it will! But it does mean that as you lean and trust on the Lord He will bring you through it victoriously. In the process He will refine your character. However, we must do our part by positioning ourselves spiritually and humbly where we can receive and hear His direction. This is a lifelong learning process. We never get to the place that we don’t need the Lord!

King Solomon who was the wisest and riches man to ever live. Keep in mind that the Word of God tells us the importance of honoring and trusting God in everything. “...acknowledge Him, in All our ways…” That endless truth is still just as explicable today in this 21^st century!

In order to receive direction and guidance we must first receive the Lord's Word. There should be no areas of our lives that He is not welcomed. The Word of God is our “Life Manual!” It is “quick and powerful…” meaning it is alive! God knew then what would be now. His timeless eternal Word is here to direct us on and to the Narrow Path that leads to Him. However we must be first willing to be corrected by His Word!

What is so beautiful we now have the ability to have the infilling presence of the Holy Spirit to lead, guide and protect us as well. This is possible when we receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Therefore each day we must spend time in His presence and invite Him to be with us! The Lord allows us the freedom to choose or just do things on our own. Here is where the difficulties lie; that is knowing the difference between our own way and HIS WILL.

David is an excellent example because he had unwavering faith in the Lord. We can all learn much from his plenteous life experiences. He was a mere shepherd boy yet, as a young man he rose up and fought against the over nine foot tall giant Goliath that many feared.

A mini summary of a major biblical event

The Israelites occupied one hill and the Philistines another hill. They assembled to do battle in the Valley of Elah. Goliath the Philistine representative was adorned in a fierce scale of heavy full armor. He was clad in a bronze helmet and armed with a giant spear. The Israelites along with Saul were quite dismayed. For forty days Goliath continuously taunted Saul and the Israelites… (See I Samuel 17)

In this Valley of Elah against Goliath under these extraordinary extenuating circumstances David demonstrates his faith and trust in the Lord. All Saul’s men are afraid but the young David boldly comes forth and says; “Let no one loose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him.” Saul replies, “You are not able to go against this Philistine and fight him; you are but a boy, and he has been fighting man from his youth.” I Samuel 17.

This is a marvelous noteworthy biblical legend that further teaches us the strong relationship that had already begun to develop between David and the Lord. It is here he steps out on his Faith and conquers Goliath against all odds! Without armor, javelin or spear he triumphed over Goliath with a meager sling and a smooth stone which he flung and hit him square in his forehead. Goliath then fell heartedly face down to the ground and died! David then ran up to him, stood upon him and cut off his head. WOW!

This is a most memorable occasion because from it we can draw spiritual strength and encouragement when faced with seemingly overwhelming odds or opposition. In the midst of persecution, discouragement and being mocked and taunted we too can turn to the Lord. Don’t allow criticism to stop you when you know WITHOUT DOUBT that the LORD IS DIRECTING YOU!. As David said “...you come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the NAME of the LORD ALMIGHTY, the GOD of the armies of Israel…”

~ PSALM 11~

Book of Praise Lesson Highlights

BOOK 1

God Tests the Children of Men

Theme: God’s rule provides stability in the midst of panic. Because we can trust HIM, we can face our problems.

Author: David

The 4rd of seven “penitential” Psalms

It appears here that David has been advised to possibly flee from the situation? The mountains were considered a place of safety. There are times when we must flee yet we are to hide under the shadow of The Almighty. This does not mean that you are to be fearful but rather wisely seek solace away from the situation until the Lord directs you otherwise. There is no indication of fear. David already knew that the Lord would protect Him. Here we learn to commit the matter to the Lord. Again it has already been established that His Faith and Trust in the Lord was unwavering and unshakeable.

It is always good to know that the Lord will never direct us to do anything that is contrary to His Word! We must we willing to spend time in the presence of the Lord. This is where we can sit at His feet and be blessed and directed. But, rest assured that many will often misunderstand you when you heed His directions.

There are also times when we must not flee but instead confront the situation head on. To take a bold spiritual stance and stand! “Finally be strong in the LORD and in His mighty power, Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil and his schemes…” Ephesians 6. We are living amidst a spiritual battle that will continue on until Jesus Christ comes back. We need strength from God to stand and withstand the attacks... His armor is not like that of Goliath’s. The Breastplate of Righteousness with help deflect ALL the fiery darts... And it is His mighty spiritual armor that protects us as He helps us to pull down strongholds. His Powerful Word is our Sword.

Spiritual Discernment is crucial and key. We must always consult the Lord to know what our position should be. As we grow in His Grace and Knowledge we become more aware of His path forward. When the path forward is made straight we must then step out on Faith. “In the LORD I take refuge. How then can you say to me; Flee like a bird to your mountain.”

We are to be mindful of what is happening about us at all times! God has told us to be observant. As we look about we can see that society changes in order to accommodate the masses. As a believer we must however not conform to the ways of the world. The same great principles and truths in the Word of God are still the principles by which we are supposed to be governed by. In the world truth is fleeting… God is the God of justice! Like it or not we all are accountable to Him for our actions.

We who are believers have been declared righteous in the eyes of God. We are to embrace and implement His principles for life and living within our daily lives. To be righteous means to set apart for the Lord! We must take regular spiritual baths in His Word. For it cleanses us from all unrighteousness. We have no righteousness of our own. To accept Jesus as our personal Savior means we have given our life over to the Lord! It is now supposed to be His Will we seek daily. We call upon Him daily to save us from the power of sin reigning in our lives. Our purpose now in life is discovering His plan for our lives. We are in fact supposed to be “In the world but not of the world.” John 15. Because of the Lord’s great Love for us He has chosen us out of the world! We who are His children belong to HIM!

We are to now daily: Walk in the Light!

The Lord has not left us alone to fend for ourselves. Nor does it mean that we are exempt from troubles… He has given us His Holy Spirit, the SPIRIT of TRUTH, His Holy Counselor to help us better navigate through the many mazes of life! When you want to run, run to the LORD. His Word illuminates our path to keep us on the Narrow Road. Keep in mind that you will often be misunderstood and your motives will be questioned even by those who should know you better.... We must obey the Lord above everything else! What is it we can do? We can trust the Lord and have faith in Him. This is where our “Security & Significance lies.” We then must “Walk by Faith and not by sight.” II Corinthians 15. “When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?”

Where is the Lord when all this turmoil is going on! Rest assured that He is omniscient and He knows everything... “Our Father, who art in Heaven Hallowed be your Name, Your Kingdom come, Your WILL be done, on earth as it is in Heaven…” The LORD is in His Holy Temple! Wherever He is it is Holy for He is indeed Holy. The Lord is Omnipresence! He is everywhere. He sees it all! He knows when and if we are in danger or peril as well as the condition of our hearts. He knows when we are under attack or being persecuted. He knows our strengths amd weaknesses…

In Him we can find strength to rise to the occasion. He is always accessible 24/7/365 days of the year. We can sincerely call upon Him at anytime and anywhere! In His time He will interpose and or intervene. God is righteous and loves righteousness. Christ Jesus has imputed His Righteousness to us. We can always confide in Him! We must diligently seek His face and readily REPENT whenever necessary... We can always and forever find hope in His protection under the Shadow of The Almighty! “The LORD is in His Holy Temple; The LORD is on His Heavenly Throne; He observes the son of men; His eyes examine them.”

This Psalm concludes saying: For the LORD is righteous, He loves justice; upright men see His face.”