The Best Security of All
Opening Prayer
Thank God now for his holy Word. Pray for God’s wisdom to distinguish between good and bad advice.
Read Psalm 11:1-7
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
[1]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. [2] For look, the wicked bend their bows; they set their arrows against the strings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart. [3] When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?” [4] The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD is on his heavenly throne. He observes everyone on earth; his eyes examine them. [5] The LORD examines the righteous, but the wicked, those who love violence, he hates with a passion. [6] On the wicked he will rain fiery coals and burning sulfur; a scorching wind will be their lot. [7] For the LORD is righteous, he loves justice; the upright will see his face. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What do we learn about God here?When I taught my son to drive he noticed that I held on firmly to the door handle, and he concluded that I didn’t trust him. In fact, I didn’t realize what I was doing! Feeling safe, however, is important to us all. Sometimes we like a little calculated risk, but we need to know we can return to a safe place when we need to. We’re like a toddler taking a few daring steps away from its mother, then running back before setting out boldly once more. The psalmist finds his security in God. Presumably he is facing some sort of danger. People are telling him that it is better to play it safe, to take no risk and get out while he can. But he knows that his security is not in being in a safe place; it’s in having God with him in the danger (1). On the face of it, the situation is hopeless (3), but the psalmist knows a deeper truth: God is the real foundation of our lives, and that foundation cannot be destroyed. If we, “the righteous” (3,5), are building on him then we know that he is with us, and that’s all the security we need.
Apply
Ask God to be with you in any difficult situations you are facing today. Resolve to trust him for your security.
Closing prayer
Mighty Lord, You’re my true security and help. You’re all the security I need. Help me to always trust that.
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