PSALM 11 WHAT TO DO?

Written by , Rector of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, Richmond, Virginia
 
¹ 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 the sons of men; his eyes examine them.
⁵ The LORD examines the righteous, but the wicked and those who love violence his soul hates.
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; upright men will see his face.

As the biblical narrative of David’s life demonstrates, there are times when the correct choice is clear as to the direction of one’s response to challenge. When Saul launches a spear at you during dinner, you run (1 Samuel 18:10-11). However, when Goliath is insulting God, you stay and fight (1 Samuel 17:31ff). Unfortunately, most of our challenges do not come so neatly filed in one category or the other. When the rules of the game have been abolished or ignored, how can we make the proper choice?

In the face of international terrorism, an enemy that thinks and believes so differently than we do, we find ourselves faced with such a challenge. Do we run and hide by separating ourselves from anyone who is Muslim, or by ignoring that there is any difference between us? Alternatively, do we stand firm and march into the midst of the Islamic community with the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

The key to a proper response is to begin with the first sentence of this psalm. “In the Lord I take refuge.” This attitude is the starting position for all righteous decision making. He will sequester you from harm or will walk with you through the danger, according to his will. If we are to “see his face” during times of trial, we must endeavor to live in obedience to his will at all times. If you shove him off the wagon of your life and grab the reins, when you get attacked and lose control do not expect him to be sitting next to you and taking control.

O Lord, the words expressing that you are my refuge come easily to my lips, but I seldom make decisions based on those words. Worldly wisdom is the currency by which I make my way through life. I listen to my friends, the experts and my own heart before I look to you. Honestly, I mostly seek your blessing for what I have decided to do. How different my life would be if I really relied upon you as my only refuge and sought to do your will at all times. Lord, I desire that life. Take my time on this earth and make it yours. Hide me in your life. Amen.