Read Psalms 10
Highlights:
Helpless? Lord, Thou hast heard the desire of the humble (Ps. 10:17). Cry to God (chap. 10); He is our refuge (chap. 11). Protection from a lying generation (chap. 12). Sound familiar? I will sing unto the Lord, because He hath dealt bountifully with me (13:6). We can rely on God (chap. 17).
David's friends advised him to flee to the mountainous parts of the land of Judah to escape the danger which was threatening him. Again and again, the psalmist was a victim of great personal danger, but his faith was unshaken; he stood his ground and trusted in God, saying: In the Lord put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain? (Ps. 11:1).
David's fearful counselors brought before him pressing reasons why he should retreat from the scene of conflict. The wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily (in the dark) shoot at the upright heart (11:2). But David declared: How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me? . . . I have trusted in Thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in Thy salvation. I will sing unto the Lord, because He hath dealt bountifully with me (13:2,5-6). Though Satan would seek to destroy us, greater is He (the Holy Spirit) that is in you (us), than he that is in the world (I John 4:4).
Saul, who was the Lord's anointed king, ignored his conscience and regarded neither truth nor justice in his determination to kill David, a righteous man. David expressed absolute assurance that righteousness shall triumph. His response to the world is: For the righteous Lord loveth righteousness; His countenance doth behold the upright (Ps. 11:7). Among many other things David said: Lord, who shall abide in Thy Tabernacle? who shall dwell in Thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour. In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the Lord (15:1-4).
At one time or another, all of the people of God may expect their faith to be severely tested. Let us fear only the compromising policy that tried to persuade David that all was lost, and to flee as a bird to your mountain (11:1). Let us not yield to our fears, but let us trust in God. Although Satan would seek to destroy the people of God, we have our Lord's promise: Greater is He (the Holy Spirit) that is in you (us), than he (Satan) that is in the world (I John 4:4).
Thought for Today:
The Lord is my Light and my Salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the Strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid (Ps. 27:1).
Christ Revealed:
In the prophecy that God would not allow His Holy One to see decay (Ps. 16:10). This foretells the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 2:25-27; 13:35-39). When Jesus spoke His Revelation to John, He declared: I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death (Rev. 1:18).
Word Studies:
10:5 puffeth at takes light of; 10:13 contemn defy; despise; 11:3 foundations principles of society based on the Word of God.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Ilene Wallace • Government Officials: Sen. Kelly Ayotte (NH), Rep. Mike Honda (CA), Rep. Jeff Miller (FL), and Rep. David Scott (GA) • Country: Malta (388,000) about 60 miles south of Sicily • Major languages: Maltese and English • Religious freedom • 97% Christian; 1.7% non-Religious/other; 1% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Seek God in prayer continually and depend on His strength (I Chron. 16:11).
Optional Reading:
Memory Verse for the Week:
Acts 4:12
