Young People's Group

In The Lord I Put My Trust

by Mitchell Tan
April 22, 2016

REJECTING THE NEGATIVE WORDS OF FRIENDS

Friends can be both a source of encouragement or discouragement. On the one hand, we thank God for those who encourage and spur us on in life and ministry. On the other hand, there are others who constantly speak about things that are disheartening and alarming. They are like “doomsday preachers”. They only speak that which is “doom” and “gloom”. This was something that David encountered in Psalm 11.

“How can you say to my soul,
‘Flee as a bird to your mountain’?
For look! The wicked bend their bow
…
If the foundations are destroyed,
What can the righteous do?”
Psalm 11:1-3

When King David was faced with problems, his counsellors and advisors spoke discouraging words to him. They spoke of how he should flee and fly away like a bird from his problems. He should fly and take refuge on a mountain. There were also others who spoke that the enemies were planning to attack him secretly and no help would come for him. These were words of anxiety and panic. We are glad to read from Psalm 11 that David rejected this negative advice from his “friends”. He was not giving in to fear over these matters. He chose instead to trust in the Lord.

PLACING A DEEP TRUST IN THE LORD

“In the Lord I put my trust”
Psalm 11:1

David decisively chose to deepen his trust in God, His truths and attributes.

1. Trusting In The Sovereignty Of God

“The Lord is in His holy temple,
The Lord’s throne is in heaven.”
Psalm 11:4

David was comforted and encouraged as he dwelt on the sovereignty of God. He focused on the almighty and eternal God who resides in His holy temple in heaven. He perpetually reigns over all things from His holy throne. The Lord God as King watches over the lives of the sons of men and the righteous. One of the most comforting truths in life with reference to God is that He is absolutely in control of everything in life and what happens to us. Let’s trust that our God reigns over our life.

2. Trusting In The Purposes Of The Lord

“The Lord tests the righteous”
Psalm 11:5

David also saw how the Lord had His purposes in allowing the righteous to be tested. When the Lord allowed David to go through tough times like being hunted by King Saul and his men, He was testing him with regards to his faith. The Lord tests our mind and the heart that He may refine our faith further and that we may develop patience and character in life (James 1:3).

3. Trusting In The Righteousness Of God

“For the Lord is righteous,
He loves righteousness;
His countenance beholds the upright.”
Psalm 11:7

When God does a work, it is out of the purity of His righteousness. He is one who delights in those who walk uprightly. His love and favour are on those who live blamelessly for the Lord. He will always watch over them. Young people, let’s not panic when we go through sudden and difficult situations of life. Let’s learn to trust in the Lord’s righteousness and all that He does and allows in our life.

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