August 28, 2018
Psalm 11 The Message (MSG)
In our Psalter reading for today, David reminds us God’s mission is to set things right—everything in a straight line under his authority. Just think about that for a minute. God is looking to set creation straight, set humanity straight, and set you and me straight; in a straight line to his heart as the righteous Ruler. He is calling us to bow in obedience to his laws of love.
Are you going through a time of testing? Feeling a bit pressed and overwhelmed? Remember, everything believers seem to experience must first go through the cross of Christ (since we belong to him) and must work for our long-term good, because getting all things going in a righteous line is God’s mission. Like David, we would be wise to run to the arms of God and cooperate with his work in us, because he is in charge of all things.
Psalm 11 A David Psalm
11
1-3 I’ve already run for dear life
straight to the arms of God.
So why would I run away now
when you say,
“Run to the mountains; the evil
bows are bent, the wicked arrows
Aimed to shoot under cover of darkness
at every heart open to God.
The bottom’s dropped out of the country;
good people don’t have a chance”?
4-6
But God hasn’t moved to the mountains;
his holy address hasn’t changed.
He’s in charge, as always, his eyes
taking everything in, his eyelids
Unblinking, examining Adam’s unruly brood
inside and out, not missing a thing.
He tests the good and the bad alike;
if anyone cheats, God’s outraged.
Fail the test and you’re out,
out in a hail of firestones,
Drinking from a canteen
filled with hot desert wind.
7
God’s business is putting things right;
he loves getting the lines straight,
Setting us straight. Once we’re standing tall,
we can look him straight in the eye.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for loving me enough to set me straight; your grace and work is welcome in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.