Saturday, July 16, 2005
Psalm 11:1-3 In the LORD I take refuge. How then can you say to me: "Flee like a bird to your mountain. For look, the wicked bend their bows; they set their arrows against the strings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart. When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?"
COURAGE
In studying the history of famous military battles, it is difficult not to notice the courage of the warriors. When the allies invaded Europe at Normandy in World War II, many soldiers died -- and yet they did not shrink from the enemy but kept advancing until they met their objectives. The courageous person doesn't run away when trouble approaches, but stands and meets the challenge.
David, the author of this psalm, once met the mighty Philistine Goliath in battle. Goliath was a giant and David but a boy, yet David did not shrink from the fight, but carried a few smooth stones and a slingshot against the mighty enemy -- one stone which would, of course, be guided to its target by the hand of God.
When the LORD is your refuge; when He is on your side; when He has taken you under His protecting arm, then you need not flee into the hills when the enemy approaches. When the wicked bend their bows against you and shoot their arrows at you from the shadows, there is no need to run away and hope to die as Elijah the prophet once did. Instead of running away from your enemies with your head in your hands crying, "Woe is me!" -- run to the LORD who is your refuge. He doesn't forsake those who trust in His Son. Those who have been redeemed with the very blood of Jesus can always go to the throne of God and appeal to Him for help and aid. He is your refuge from even the strongest foes. Therefore, have courage.
