Suggested Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 18-20; Psalm 11, 59
Devotional Thought:
Title: “Faith or Flight.”
The Davidic authorship of Psalm 11 is not questioned, but the exact date of its writing and the circumstances in which it was written are uncertain. Some authors think that the Psalm belongs to those days when David was playing music in Saul’s palace, loved by many but feared by the jealous king whose intent was to slay him. In a variety of ways Saul had plotted against David’s life, and the advice of some timid friends apparently was that he should flee. Others feel that the Psalm refers to the days just prior to Absalom’s rebellion, when the conspiracy against David was growing stronger and it seemed wise to escape. The situation described in Psalm 11 would relate accurately to both of these specific circumstances but there is no title to the Psalm, which would confirm either. David has endured perhaps every experience of life. He seems to have lived all those paths, which are the common experiences of saints, and so much of his Psalms have been born in the midst of those familiar trials. Often in these experiences David had friends and advisors who, like Job’s friends, were miserable comforters. At times he has to reprove these well-meaning advisors and encourage himself in the Lord, and this is just what he does in this short Psalm. Those friends certainly meant well who said, “Flee as a bird to your mountain.” They feared for David’s life at the hand of Saul. But David had slain lions, bears, and giants and saw no need to flee from Saul. Of course, the time would come when David must flee. It would eventually be the prudent thing to do. But he seems to imply here that there is some fear with his advisors, which is not compatible with trust in Jehovah. Unless there is some contradiction, why should he flee when his safety is in his God? Should he, at the first sign of danger, escape like some feeble fluttering bird to the hills? How can his friends suggest such a thing to David? For a man whose refuge was in Jehovah, a flight to some hiding place in the Judean mountains was not his first consideration. David recoils from such a suggestion, avowing his trust in Jehovah. But the advisors continue to press their argument. Conditions were waxing worse. It was as if the enemy had already bent his bow and made ready the arrow upon the string. The wicked were poised to shoot. They would do it secretively, that is to say, vindictively, under the cover of darkness. David may be upright in heart but his enemies were not. They would not respect his uprightness, but would assail him mercilessly. However, David’s trust would be in the righteousness of Jehovah. He would choose to believe that God could only do what is right. Because He is righteous in Himself, God loves righteousness. He looks for it in His people, and His countenance smiles upon His children who live righteously. He expects them to be as He is. “Be ye holy; for I am holy.” (1 Pet 1:15-16) Christians are to be the great contrast in the world to the ungodly. Jehovah desires that we demonstrate faith in God’s Person, purposes, and power as we stand against evil and live righteously.
Personal Prayer Requests:
- Lord, please help me to trust you in every situation. May I learn that you can only do what is right and only allow into my life those things that will make me more like you.
- Lord, please help me to never to face trouble, temptation, or trials on my own. May I never trust myself in those situations, but may I run to you for grace, mercy, wisdom, and strength.
- Lord, please help me to model righteousness.