Psalm 11

“In the Lord I put my trust; how can you say to my soul, ‘Flee as a bird to your mountain’? For look! The wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow on the string, that they may shoot secretly at the upright in heart.”  Psalm 11:1-2 (NKJV)

A few years ago, my brother sent me a photo of a deer he shot with his bow. Unlike rifle hunting, the bow and arrow are silent killers. Due to the slower velocity of the arrow as compared to a rifle bullet, bow hunting demands the archer position strategically and wait patiently. The animal must get as close as possible before letting go of the string. TWANG! Thud. Bull’s-eye!

David uses the image of an archer to describe how the wicked are taking aim at him. The Bible describes how David was literally hunted by his enemies, stalking him with both literal arrows and figurative ones: injurious testimony and discouraging words. David’s response? He remembered the Word of the Lord, the foundation of our faith, and God’s promise to those who pursue righteousness.  

“If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?”  Psalm 11:3 (NKJV)

If we depart from the Bible, what foundation can we stand upon when it seems no hope is in sight? If we have forsaken God’s Word, where do we turn when we need to be encouraged and refreshed? What well can we drink from if we have left the source of Living Water?

“For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and hewn themselves cisterns—broken cisterns that can hold no water.” Jeremiah 2:13 (NKJV)

God’s Word declares that we can stand firm and have joy when all around us seems hopelessly dark. We remember that the Lord sees us and has the power and determination to save His own people in the time and manner He determines!

“The Lord is in His holy temple, the Lord’s throne is in heaven; His eyes behold, His eyelids test the sons of men. The Lord tests the righteous, but the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates. Upon the wicked, He will rain coals; fire and brimstone and a burning wind shall be the portion of their cup.”  Psalm 11:4-6 (NKJV)

It is our memory of Scripture that calms our hearts in these days when it seems that followers of Jesus are perpetually “in season  .”Wicked men seek to destroy the faithfulness of God’s Word by hunting His people. Still, we take heart knowing a righteous Judge presides over His creation and delights in His righteous ones.

“For the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness; His countenance beholds the upright.” Psalm 11:7 (NKJV)