Sundays in the Psalms (11)

Sunday in the Psalms  •  Sermon  •  Submitted   •  Presented   •  40:36
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"Faith Firmly Fixed in the Face of Fear"

Introduction Never do believers experience God to be so sufficient as when they find themselves in the most difficult times, confronted with trials beyond their control. It is in man’s extremities that he discovers God’s sufficiency’s
This was the personal experience of David in Psalm 11, a song of strong confidence in God in the midst of unsettling times.
David was facing a national crisis that threatened to overturn the stability of the nation of Israel.
All around him, the moral foundations of the people were crumbling.
- This upheaval was caused by evil men who sought to do him harm.
- Adding to this ordeal, the people who were loyal to David panicked, counseling him to flee Jerusalem.
- But David remained calm and resolute, keeping his eyes on the Lord.
- In this hour of crisis, David determined to trust in God in spite of his circumstances.
- His faith, unshakable and unwavering, kept him steadfast in uncertain times.
In the midst of turmoil, he assured his followers that in spite of the threats of the wicked, God remained in control.
David acted as an example to believers by remaining resolute and unflinching in the face of desperate circumstances.
Steven Lawson, Psalms 1–75, ed. Max Anders, Holman Old Testament Commentary, (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2004), 11:64.

I. David’s Decision

(1a)
(to trust)
David began this psalm with a personal decision to trust God: In the LORD put I my trust (this means to take refuge)
In the midst of great difficulites, even the potential loss of life from the hands of his enemies, David remained confident in God who was his refuge.
He refuses to give in to the temptation to flee like a frightened bird.
Our faith must be rooted in God’s unchanging character, not in the fleeting security of our circumstances.
Faith declares that God is still in control, even when the world feels out of control.
Just as he had done many times before, David fled to God as his unassailable fortress of protection, as he faced this crises.
Not looking to outside help or even looking to his own strength.
David placed his trust exclusively in the Lord
When things become difficult, are we making a decision to trust God?
with each trial and difficulity brings another moment to make the decision to trust God.

II. David’s Temptation

(1b–3)
I am sure David was concerned, I am sure He had some doubt about what his army could defend against, but the real temptation came from those that were closest to him. They were all giving him advice to flee. Shoot they were in the same perdiciment that David was in. Their life was on the line to. It is human nature to flee from danger. Those You see running to danger, that is a special breed. I know i was one and proboly still am if it came down to it. You in danger I will risk mine so you can live.
But most normal humans run from danger.
That is what they wanted him to do.
David was tempted in two ways:
a. To Depart (1b–2)
David was surrounded by well-meaning but spiritually weak supporters.
These people advised him to leave Jeruselm and escape the encroaching danger.
His response was: How (can you) say (ye) to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain?
To Davids advisors the opposition seemed too strong to defeat
His aids looked out over the wall with terror at the wicked who were bending bows and setting their arrows
[the word privily means darkness]; They feared that the enemy was lurking in the shadows waiting for the right moment to strike
Instead of finding refuge in God, they wanted to find refuge in the hills outside the city.
Sometimes even well meaning Christians can give the wrong advise in times of uncertinity.
It is best to take advice as just that especially when those that are giving it are in the same perdiciment that you are in.
trust God and be lead of God.
So David was tempted to depart to run and hide
David was also tempted…
a. To Depart (1b–2)
b. To Despair (3)
In the face of this danger, David’s supporters were fearful, saying,
"If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?"
Foundations symbolize stability—moral, spiritual, and societal structures that hold our lives together.
When these foundations crumble through personal loss, moral decay, or relational breakdown, we may feel powerless.
This rhetorical question is not meant to elicit despair but to turn our attention to God as the true foundation.
Illustration: A building’s foundation must be solid to endure storms. In 1992, Hurricane Andrew devastated South Florida, but some homes remained standing. they may have had damage to the exterior but the foundation was still solid. Why? Because they had dug them deep and reinforced them. (It is said that some foundations were 20ft deep and 18” of solid concreate.) Similarly, our spiritual foundation in God ensures that we stand firm when life’s storms rage.
The word destroyed describes the turbulent upheaval of the moral values and civil order of their day.
These advisers sensed they could no longer live in a culture in which right failed and evil prevailed.
This was the counsel that David heard from his supporters—an appeal to run and hide from his oppressors.
Sounds like a lot of well meaning Baptist’s
debbie downers and frantic freds
There are a lot of things that are happening around us right now, but it is no time to run and hide
We are to hold the fort and fight
We are to sound the battle cry and keep working
Lets trust God and keep on keeping on!

III. David’s Assertion

(4–7)
David replied to his fearful followers, redirecting their focus to the Lord.
David asserted:
1. God’s sovereignty (4a)
First, David asserted God’s sovereignty, testifying, The LORD is in his holy temple.
God is still where he has always been.
He hasnt been run off or pushed into hiding
The psalmist also reminded his fellow believers that God was still upon his throne, ruling and reigning over this painful trial.
God’s throne in heaven speaks of His authority over all creation.
No enemy can displace Him, and no crisis can dethrone Him.
This reality gives us confidence in the midst of chaos.
No matter what happens, God remains the King of kings.
Illustration: During World War II, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill reassured his nation, “We shall never surrender.” Though chaos reigned, his confidence inspired hope. How much more can we find assurance knowing that our God, infinitely greater, sits on an unshakable throne!
God is still God
He is still on the throne
and everything is running on time!
Nothing is out of control; because God is in control!
1. God’s sovereignty (4a)
2. God’s scrutiny (4b-5a)
Second, David asserts God’s scrutiny:
He observes the sons of men; His eyes behold, His eyelids try, the children of men. 5 The LORD trieth the righteous
a. He observes all men (4b)
his eyes examine them.
David assured his supporters that the eyes of God see all that man does
including those that are lying in the darkness waiting to destroy them
b. He examines all men (4c)
1 Chronicles 28:9 KJV 1900
And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.
God is not blind
God is not fooled
God knows
In light of this, believers must remain strong in faith, not cowering to their enemies because God sees their hearts as well as the hearts of their enemies.
c. He tries the righteous (5a)
Things may come upon us that we dont understand. Most of the time, the things that try us the most is things of our own doings, but other times, God tries us to reveal our stedfastness and obediance to Him.
you say, Preacher how can we know the difference?
My family and I talked about this this past week, in our study of Job.
Trials will come that is a given, the way I think we can tell wither they are of our own doings or Gods is if you can look at your Christian walk and say, Im walking in his will or not. If you are then see it as a moment to stand strong and stay in the boat. If you are not, see it as a moment to get back in the boat and start living for Him.
1. God’s sovereignty (4a)
2. God’s scrutiny (4b–c)
3. God’s severity (5–6)
Third, David underscored God’s severity:
On the wicked he will rain snares, fire and brimstone and an horrible tempest.
This imagery probably alluded to God’s fatal judgment such as that which fell upon Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 19; Deut. 29:23; Ezek. 38:22).
The wicked could expect that a scorching wind would be their lot.
- This refers to the hot blast associated with God’s dreadful judgments.
God’s justice may seem delayed, but it is certain.
Evil will not prevail forever.
This truth reminds us not to take vengeance into our own hands but to trust God to bring about perfect justice in His time.
Trials have a dual purpose: they expose the wickedness in the world and reveal the steadfastness of the righteous.
Trusting in God’s purpose allows us to face trials with courage, knowing He is working all things for good.
1. God’s sovereignty (4a)
2. God’s scrutiny (4b–5a)
3. God’s severity (5b–6)
4. God’s support (7)
"The righteous LORD loveth righteousness."
God’s character is consistent.
He delights in those who walk in His ways.
The righteous are those who, despite challenges, remain committed to living by God’s standards.
God’s favor rests on them, and His love sustains them through trials.
God’s favor rests on those who walk in His ways.
Illustration: Imagine a teacher grading exams. A diligent student receives not just a passing grade but commendation for excellence. God sees the faithfulness of His people and delights in rewarding them.
"His countenance doth behold the upright." (The upright shall behold His face)
The ultimate reward for the righteous is to dwell in the presence of God.
To behold His face is the culmination of faith and the joy of eternity.
This promise gives us hope to endure hardships, knowing that our faithfulness will result in eternal fellowship with our Creator.
The greatest reward is to behold God’s face.
Illustration: Think of a soldier returning home after years of war. The ultimate joy is not in medals or recognition but in seeing their family’s faces again. For believers, the joy of seeing God face to face surpasses all other rewards.

Conclusion

Psalm 11 provides us with a framework for navigating life’s greatest fears:
When fear pressures you to flee, respond with faith in God’s protection.
When chaos threatens to overwhelm, rest in the certainty of God’s sovereign rule.
When injustice seems to reign, trust in God’s ultimate justice and eternal reward.
Application: As we face challenges, let us echo David’s declaration: "In the LORD put I my trust."
This psalm invites us to shift our perspective from fear to faith, from fleeing to standing firm, and from despair to hope.
Let Your faith be bigger then your fear!
Illustration for Closing: A story is told of a young boy flying a kite on a cloudy day. The kite soared so high it disappeared into the clouds. Someone asked, “How do you know it’s still there?” The boy replied, “I feel the tug.” Similarly, we may not always see God’s hand at work, but faith feels the tug of His presence, reminding us that He is still in control.
Invitation: Have you placed your trust in the Lord? In Christ, we find the ultimate fulfillment of this psalm. He is the foundation that cannot be shaken, the King who reigns forever, and the Savior who secures our righteousness.
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