Refuge

Ps. 11:4-5

The Lord is in His holy temple; the Lord's throne is in heaven; His eyes see, His eyelids test the children of man. The Lord tests the righteous, but His soul hates the wicked, and the one who loves violence.

 

The Psalmist, David,  was distressed because the wicked were after him. The natural response would be to run, to flee to the mountains away from these people, but there was no safety there. David knew that the enemy arrows were strong and sure going straight to the heart of the upright. Even in the darkness they could hit their target. Who was this enemy? How could they operate unhindered by laws? The problem was foundational. He knew that If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do? David had no earthly hope for protection.



 

Even though earthly hope was gone, Davud was not hopeless. He cried out to God, the One whose holy temple and throne are in heaven. He knew that God saw all, even the plans of the wicked, and is not surprised by the current events. In fact, God tests the righteous, but the wicked He hates. David asked God to rain coals on the wicked, and have fire, sulfur and a scorching wind be their portion. No doubt David felt the time was right for this test to be over and time for the wicked to receive their just due. He knew that the Lord is righteous and loves righteous deeds. For this reason, David took refuge in the Lord! He knew that his safety was only assured in the presence of the Lord. No human intervention would suffice! He knew that the Lord loves righteous deeds and will allow the upright to behold His face.

 

How like many situations today! In other countries where the foundations are evil, there is no hope for believers. There is no legislation or government that will come to the aid of the upright. There is no mountain that can hide them or give them protection. There is no place to run! As they hit the evil full on, they are either all in or all out. There is no place for waffling and trying to live the secret Christians life. Their only recourse is to cry out to the God who loves and cherishes the righteous. When the test is finished and the timing is right, God will act. Like David did so long ago, people can cry out for God to send His judgment on the wicked now! Only in God is refuge for those who love and obey Him.

 

As our freedoms are eroding either by executive order or liberal legislation, I am beginning to feel like this as well. Certainly these times of testing reveal the true heart of every man. Similarly, I see no place I can flee. I can only trust God in this time of testing and cry out to Him to bring His judgment on the wicked. But perhaps what is happening in America is God's judgment. I pray that my heart and my resolve are strong and steady. I pray that in this time of testing, I will take my refuge in God alone. 

 

Father,

Give me Your grace and strength to stand strong in these uncertain times. Purify me even as you judgement falls on the wicked. Take away my fear and fill me with Your peace.

In Jesus name,

Amen