“In the Lord I take refuge.” (Psalm 11:1)

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In Psalm 11, David’s conviction that his refuge was in God compelled him to resist suggestions to flee rather than face his foes. Six simple words comprised his statement of faith: “In the Lord I take refuge.” That well rooted conviction would guide his conduct.

David’s words in verses 4-7 amplified God’s greatness. Yes, life can sometimes be like a battlefield, and hostile fire can send us scattering for cover when we’re bombarded with health challenges, or financial, relational, and spiritual stresses. So, what should we do? Acknowledge that God is the king of the universe; take delight in His amazing capacity to judge with precision; and rest in His delight in what’s right, fair, and equitable. We can run swiftly to God for shelter!

Daily Questions

1. When have you experienced life’s hostile fire and been tempted to find shelter in something other than God?
2. Can you recall times when God came to your rescue and your hope in Him was renewed?

Daily Thoughts

Father, help us to see You more clearly than any force that opposes us and run to You for true safety and security.

Psalm 11

“In the Lord I take refuge. How then can you say to me: ‘Flee like a bird to your mountain. For look, the wicked bend their bows; they set their arrows against the strings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart. When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?'”

“The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord is on his heavenly throne. He observes everyone on earth; his eyes examine them. The Lord examines the righteous, but the wicked, those who love violence, he hates with a passion. On the wicked he will rain fiery coals and burning sulfur; a scorching wind will be their lot. For the Lord is righteous, he loves justice; the upright will see his face.”

Bonus Information

In Psalm 11, the name “the Lord” is used for God five times. When “Lord” appears in English versions of the Bible in all capital letters, it’s the translation of the Hebrew word “Yahweh”, Jehovah is an equivalent rendering as well. It’s rendered this way to distinguish it from other Hebrew words translated “Lord” or “lord.” Yahweh is the personal or proper name of Israel’s God and means “the eternal” or “self-existing One.” The noun comes from the Hebrew “to be” verb hayah. In the Old Testament, the name is often combined with other words to emphasize various aspects of God’s ability, care, or character. In Genesis 22:14 the Lord is revealed as Jehovah-jireh, “the Lord will provide.” God’s name, “the Lord,” speaks of His trustworthiness at all times, in all situations, in every battle.