THANKFUL

Chatting with Jesus

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Lord, did the psalmist have a vision of society 3000 years in the future, or was he writing about the society he lived in? Psalm Chapter 11 describes the dangers when power falls into the hands of the ungodly. Having some degree of power challenged the psalmist convictions.

Would he remain true to his convictions, or would he compromise under persecution? Would he govern with a velvet glove or an iron fist? The psalmist made his convictions clear: “I trust in the Lord for protections. Why do you say to me, ‘Fly like a bird to the mountains for safety’” (Psalm 11:2). In other words, I stand by my convictions and I’m not going anywhere.

Lord, the psalmist knew who opposed his every move to remain faithful to you. The anti-God enemies, controlled by the prince of darkness, threatened to destroy not only the psalmist but anyone who believes in you. The devil has not ceased his plan to destroy the righteous. What the psalmist wrote could be today’s headline: “The foundations of law and order have collapsed. What can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:3)

“What can the righteous do?” the psalmist asked. He had only one response. “[But] the Lord is in his holy Temple, the Lord still rules from Heaven (verse 11:4). Now, we echo the psalmist’s response. You, Lord, are in control of our destiny.

We witness society falling apart around us. Unchecked power has corrupted every level of government. Amid continual lying, how can we trust anything our leaders say. People foolishly believe they will get away with their corruption. “He [the Lord God] watches everyone closely, examining every person on Earth. The Lord examines both the righteous and the wicked,” (verse 11:5).

Lord, we might not understand all that is happening. Nonetheless, we trust you are in control and things are unfolding according to your plan. Therefore, we confidently stand with the psalmist: “I trust in the Lord for protection.”

Amen, Jesus.