Psalms 11: The righteous LORD still reigns
Begin in prayer
Before we listen to fearful advice, let us look toward God's throne. Ask Him to help us take refuge in Jesus and live faithfully under His righteous rule.
for I don’t see as man sees. For man looks at the outward appearance, but Yahweh looks at the heart.
1 Samuel 16:7
Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word, and help us to see Christ. Show us that the righteous LORD reigns and will judge those who love violence. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.
See where we're going
David has taken refuge in the LORD, yet someone urges him to flee like a bird to a mountain. The threat is real, because the wicked have their bows ready to shoot the upright in darkness. When the foundations seem destroyed, David looks to the LORD's throne in heaven. God examines everyone, testing the righteous and hating those who love violence. The wicked face His burning judgment, while the upright will see His face.
As you read Psalms 11, look for the answers:
- Where is the LORD when the foundations seem destroyed? (verses 3 and 4)
- What does the LORD love, and who will see His face? (verse 7)
Reflect together
Key truth
The righteous LORD reigns from heaven, judges violence, and loves righteousness.
The advice to flee sounds sensible when enemies are already preparing to shoot. David answers by naming the refuge he has taken in the LORD. Shaking foundations picture the collapse of what should uphold justice and order. God's heavenly throne remains firm above that collapse, and His eyes examine human hearts. Testing the righteous belongs beside His love of righteousness, rather than proving He hates them. His hatred falls on the wicked and the lover of violence. The blazing judgment warns that evil will receive the portion God assigns to it. The promise that the upright will see His face gives hope beyond the immediate threat.
How does Psalm 11 show us that the righteous LORD reigns from heaven, judges violence, and loves righteousness?
The LORD's heavenly throne remains firm.
The frightened counsel looks at bows, darkness and ruined foundations. David looks higher to the holy temple and throne of the LORD. Trouble on earth cannot remove the King who examines everyone.
The righteous LORD judges violence and receives the upright.
The Lord's own righteousness governs what He loves and hates. He examines the righteous and hates the person who loves violence. Judgment is certain for the wicked, while the upright are promised the sight of His face.
Memorise
For Yahweh is righteous. He loves righteousness. The upright shall see his face.
Psalm 11:7
Looking to Jesus in my life
Ask yourself in your heart, what danger makes me doubt the rule of Jesus?
David begins, “In Yahweh, I take refuge.” The bows are bent, yet the throne in heaven remains occupied. The LORD who loves righteousness sees every hidden act and will judge the violent.
That justice exposes our guilt as well as our enemies' wrongdoing. Jesus lived in perfect righteousness and bore God's anger against His people at the cross. He rose with death defeated, and His saving work is finished. His righteousness and sacrifice are all His people need to stand accepted before God.
Turn from your sin and put your trust in Jesus. He grants forgiveness to those who entrust themselves to Him. When the foundations around you seem to fail, ask Him to keep you faithful. The righteous King still reigns, and the refuge found in Him will endure.
Parent's note
Tell your children that the righteous LORD reigns and will judge those who love violence. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart.
Pray together
Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God that His righteous throne stands above every earthly threat. Bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.
I have many things to speak and to judge concerning you. However he who sent me is true; and the things which I heard from him, these I say to the world.”
John 8:26
Lord God, Your throne stands firm when our surroundings feel unsafe. Please bring us to repentance and trust in Jesus. Thank You for His righteousness and saving sacrifice. Keep us from violence and deceit this week, and give us courage to do what is right under Your watchful care. Amen.