Trusting God in Extreme Situations
Palitha Jayasooriya
Psalm 11
Are you battling an extreme challenge today? If so, Psalm 11 may well be what you need to reflect on right now. The writer of the passage, David, was obviously facing extreme dangers when he penned this beautiful Psalm. His enemies were waiting in the shadows (v 2) to shoot their arrows at him (v 2). This could refer to verbal attacks and very definitely, to attacks on his life. King Saul had already been using him as target practice to enhance his skills in javelin throwing (1 Samuel 19:10)! In verse 3, David speaks about his very foundation being destroyed. At this point, it seems like David's close friends had encouraged him to flee to safety.
Let's look at how David responded to these extreme challenges.
1) He refused to flee in fear (vs 1)
In this instance, David refused to 'flee like a bird to the mountains' as advised by His friends. Instead, He would trust the Lord he worshiped, to deliver him. The Lord was his refuge.
It is sad that when things get tough, many people decide to run away, seeking something better elsewhere. As a result, they run away from a difficult marriage, a hurting relationship, a challenging job, a financial crisis and other trying circumstances. Christian leaders may run away from the challenges of a struggling ministry. Some run away from finding true love, because they were hurt once in a relationship. Others may even contemplate suicide. We allow a feeling of helplessness to overtake us! The scriptures record how Elijah, a mighty man of faith and anointing, ran away when confronted by Jezebel (1 Kings 19:2-3).
Are you in that place today? Ready to give up? Throw in the towel? Let's take heart from the faith shown by David and refuse to run away.
Illustration - At one point in my ministry, I had to serve in an area that was a hive of demonic activity. By God's grace our midweek service began to grow steadily as many were being saved and delivere ...
Palitha Jayasooriya
Psalm 11
Are you battling an extreme challenge today? If so, Psalm 11 may well be what you need to reflect on right now. The writer of the passage, David, was obviously facing extreme dangers when he penned this beautiful Psalm. His enemies were waiting in the shadows (v 2) to shoot their arrows at him (v 2). This could refer to verbal attacks and very definitely, to attacks on his life. King Saul had already been using him as target practice to enhance his skills in javelin throwing (1 Samuel 19:10)! In verse 3, David speaks about his very foundation being destroyed. At this point, it seems like David's close friends had encouraged him to flee to safety.
Let's look at how David responded to these extreme challenges.
1) He refused to flee in fear (vs 1)
In this instance, David refused to 'flee like a bird to the mountains' as advised by His friends. Instead, He would trust the Lord he worshiped, to deliver him. The Lord was his refuge.
It is sad that when things get tough, many people decide to run away, seeking something better elsewhere. As a result, they run away from a difficult marriage, a hurting relationship, a challenging job, a financial crisis and other trying circumstances. Christian leaders may run away from the challenges of a struggling ministry. Some run away from finding true love, because they were hurt once in a relationship. Others may even contemplate suicide. We allow a feeling of helplessness to overtake us! The scriptures record how Elijah, a mighty man of faith and anointing, ran away when confronted by Jezebel (1 Kings 19:2-3).
Are you in that place today? Ready to give up? Throw in the towel? Let's take heart from the faith shown by David and refuse to run away.
Illustration - At one point in my ministry, I had to serve in an area that was a hive of demonic activity. By God's grace our midweek service began to grow steadily as many were being saved and delivere ...
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