Sunday

TAKEN FROM PASTOR TIM KELLER'S NEW BOOK, THE SONGS OF JESUS (A Year of Daily Devotions In the Psalms) 

PSALM 11 

 In the Lord I take refuge.  How then can you say to me:

    “Flee like a bird to your mountain.
² For look, the wicked bend their bows;
    they set their arrows against the strings
to shoot from the shadows
    at the upright in heart.
³ When the foundations are being destroyed,
    what can the righteous do?”

⁴ The Lord is in his holy temple;
    the Lord is on his heavenly throne.
He observes everyone on earth;
    his eyes examine them.
⁵ The Lord examines the righteous,
    but the wicked, those who love violence,
    he hates with a passion.
⁶ On the wicked he will rain
    fiery coals and burning sulfur;
    a scorching wind will be their lot.

⁷ For the Lord is righteous,
    he loves justice;
    the upright will see his face.

DON'T DESPAIR.  When life crumbles, the desire to run away and hide in despair is strong. David counters this impulse with three insights:  theological---God is still on his throne and will execute justice in his wise time (verse 4); practical---crises are really tests, opportunities to evaluate 
what is true and solid and what is flimsy and should be discarded (verses 4-5); and spiritual---what we really need is the knowledge of God's presence and face (verse 7).  Only love makes you interested in gazing on someone's face.  Pray until God and his love become more real to you.  Then you won't run scared.

PRAYER:  Lord, people are saying, 'It's over, just give up.' But I won't panic---or should I say,  Lord, help me to not panic'? I know you are on your throne---but my heart doesn't feel that----so speak to my heart.  Let me love you enough not to be scared.  Amen.