confidence despite fear

For the LORD is righteous;

he loves righteous deeds;

the upright shall behold his face.

Psalm 11:7

This confident declaration of faith in a good and righteous God is informed by all that is said in the eleventh psalm. It is a psalm of David and enfolds like this:

David is confident to find refuge in God (11:1a). He knows God will keep him safe. This trust exists despite circumstances that seem out of control as wicked people appear to have the upper hand.

• People are advising fearful withdrawal (11:1b)
• Strong and wicked people are taking aim at the righteous with weapons of war (11:2).
• Once strong foundations have crumbled and people complain that good people will be able to do nothing to change this (11:3).

Still David is confident in God (11:4-7). And God reverses the three fearful observations of the first three verses. They are recounted in reverse order.

• God’s throne is secure even if earthly foundations appear to have been destroyed (11:4).
• God tests and judges the evil men whose eyes aim their weapons. God sees this and rains down His own fiery weapons of judgment on the wicked (11:4b-6).
• The upright need not fear, but instead stand gazing into the face of a God Who loves them and loves their righteous deeds (11:7).

O God Who is always my security,

Thank You that You do indeed see and know this world. You know what may bring me fear as wicked people with evil schemes want to topple strong foundations. And it seems like they have so much success. But they cannot really even put a crack in what You have built! You are on Your holy throne. You see, You test both the righteous and the unrighteous, and You judge the wicked while also bringing Your peaceful presence to all who will trust in You!

Amen