YEAR 1, WEEK 11, Day 7, Sunday, 17 March 2024

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Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Sunday, 17 March 2024:

Psalm 11:1 — In the LORD I take refuge; how can you say to my soul, “Flee like a bird to your mountain….”

Here the psalmist counsels his own soul to stop worrying about the terrible circumstances he is apparently facing as if the foundations of life are being destroyed and there is nothing the righteous can do (v3).  He has to remind himself that his refuge is in the LORD who is sovereign over all circumstances and is working out all things together for good for those who love Him and who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28-29).  This psalm should encourage us to follow the psalmist’s example of speaking truth to ourselves when we start to become anxious as well as talking our concerns confidently to the LORD in prayer.  If you start to feel anxious today, remember Psalm 11 and Philippians 4:4-8:

  – Philippians 4:4-8 — Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.  Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.  The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Psalm 11:6 – Let him rain coals on the wicked. 

This verse describes God’s judgment on the wicked such as what occurred to Sodom and Gomorrah.  This is a judgment only God can carry out.  Compare this verse with Proverbs 25:21, 22 – “If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.”  What is the point?   Do not return evil for evil but rather good, and God will administer justice in ways you could not possibly imagine and also take care of you in ways you could not possibly imagine.  Trust the Lord in your persecution.   Let Him be your defender rather than you trying to defend yourself.  You can’t possibly understand what is the right thing to do.

Psalm 11:7 — The upright shall behold his face.

Not everyone will behold His face.

“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 17 March 2024:  Today, rejoice and rejoice again, replacing your worries with thankful prayers and pleasant thoughts, remembering the LORD is at hand.