Week 15: Psalm 11

Psalm 11

The other day I was talking to my friend over dinner about how much work it is to attempt to maintain our own righteousness. What got us on the topic was a particular story she shared. The story was about a pastor who chose to cover up his daughter's sin with another sin. This was all because he didn't want to ruin his image among his congregation.

As I listened to the story, my emotions began to boil. But then, the Holy Spirit humbled me. How many times have I too been like this pastor? Seeking to hide my sin with my own attempts at righteousness instead of surrendering and trusting God's truth about who He says I am? The psalmist David truly trusted and depended on the Lord.

Haven't we all been here in our walk with the Lord?

No matter the season, we must choose to be rooted. But the only roots that are deep enough to withstand the storms and trials of life are rooted in the finished work of Christ. This means we no longer lean on our own works or perfection like the world does. Instead we lean in and rest peacefully in the righteousness of God and choose to remember that He has declared us righteous through Christ's atonement for us.

In Psalm 11, David makes this declaration: “In the Lord, I put my trust.”

While David wonders why he has to endure certain things, his Psalm becomes an anthem of who God is. David begins to meditate on the righteousness of God, His power, His omnipotence, His position of authority, and His power.

Certain seasons and the choices we make can oftentimes put us in a place where we have to ask, as the psalmist asked, “What can the righteous do?”

When we fail.

When we make mistakes.

When the storms of life seem to be overtaking us.

When we struggle in our walk.

When sin creeps in, when life becomes overwhelming.

When it looks like those who don't acknowledge God seem to be prospering.

When life hits the fan, what are we to do?

We worship. We exalt. We set our eyes on the righteousness of God and thank Him for His kindness to us. We actually live out our declaration of trust in our Lord, not in ourselves. Righteousness is not just about sin. It's also about our endurance during difficult seasons and our good works. When we choose to trust in our good works apart from Christ, or when storms and trials do hit, we feel as though we are the ones who caused it or we assume the burden of “fixing” our trials.

Praise the Lord, we are not the makers nor creators of our story, God is. And He is the one who sustains us. The Lord's throne is in heaven (v. 4), His eyes behold (v. 4), He tests the righteous (v. 5), and He will judge the wicked (v. 6). These truths about God and His righteous power and authority are what we can dwell on as we face our trials, sin, and even our greatest blessings.

May we face our seasons with a greater hope and confidence like the psalmist David did. May our hope and trust be ever in the Lord. 

-Megan