Message Notes

TRUST IN THE LORD

1. A frequent theme in the Book of Psalms

2. Psalm 11 was written to reflect the testing of David’s trust in the LORD

THE PRINCIPLE OF TESTING

1. “That I may test them”   (Exodus 16:4)

2. This was announced

3. This was a principle God adopted

CLEAR STATEMENT OF TESTING

1. His eyelids test the sons of men   (Psalm 11:4d)

2. The LORD tests the righteous   (Psalm 11:5a)

SOME TESTS ARE TOUGH ONES

1. When the wicked attacks

a) They bend their bow   (Psalm 11:2a)

b) They make ready their arrow on a string   (Psalm 11:2b)

c) That they may shoot secretly
At the upright in heart   (Psalm 11:2c)

2. When the foundations are challenged

a) What if the foundations are destroyed?   (Psalm 11:3a)

b) What can the righteous do?   (Psalm 11:3b)

THE SUGGESTION OF SOME

1. Flee as a bird to your mountains   (Psalm 11:1a)

2. Flight is a commonly offered solution

3. But how does this square with “Trust in God?”

THE EXERCISE OF DEEP TRUST

1. Knowledge of God

a) The LORD is in His holy temple   (Psalm 11:4a)

b) The LORD’s throne is in heaven   (Psalm 11:4b)

c) His eyes behold   (Psalm 11:4c)

2. Understanding of the ways of God

a) God’s ways with the righteous
The LORD tests the righteous   (Psalm 11:5a)

b) God’s ways with the wicked

i) He hates the wicked

ii) He hates those who resort to violence   (Psalm 11:5b)

iii) He will rain coals upon the wicked   (Psalm 11:6a)

iv) Fire and brimstone too   (Psalm 11:6b)

v) And a burning wind   (Psalm 11:6c)

c) The above are the portions of the wicked   (Psalm 11:6d)

3. Trust in the LORD

a) That He is righteous   (Psalm 11:7a)

b) He loves righteousness   (Psalm 11:7b)

c) His countenance beholds the upright   (Psalm 11:7c)

SIGNIFICANCE

1. To be righteous before God

2. Never allow fear to come in

3. The LORD will look upon the righteous with grace and mercy