If you are like me, everywhere you turn you see a deterioration in the moral and spiritual culture of our nation, and even within the church. I’ve been on this planet living in America for 86 years. Never in my wildest dreams would I have believed what I am seeing today. It’s happening in virtually every institution within our society. So, one might be led to ask, “Is God aware of what’s going on?” Not surprising, the answer is clear within scripture. I have often said and fimly believe that the two most powerful words in the Bible are…But God!!
One of my favorite Psalms which I have put to memory is Chapter 11. David addresses his trust in God, and questions why others are encouraging him to flee to the mountains to escape what he’s facing. And then closes his question with this. “If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” Then David is quick to describe the Lord, giving him a reason to put his sole trust in him. Look at what he says. And it’s our answer today.
“The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in heaven; his eyes see, his eyelids test the children of men.” What David is saying is this. God has the best view of anyone in the world and he’s not asleep, his eyes are wide open and he is aware. So, since this is true, what can we believers do? Trust God! ‘Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”’ Rom. 12.19 This is spelled out in detail in the next set of verses by David.
“The Lord tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence. Let him rain coals on the wicked; fire and sulfur, and a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup.”
This tells us God will avenge the acts of the unrighteous, certainly in his own timing.But in the meantime, there will be suffering and great tribulation until he acts. Jesus made it very clear that those of us who follow Christ faithfully will indeed suffer for it, just as he suffered. But the everlasting hope we have is far greater than the trials we will face. I’ve just got to come to grips, and so do you, with the fact that we need to…”be still and know that he is God.”
David finishes Psalm 11 with this awesome and confident statement.
“For the Lord is righteous; he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face.” May I hear a loud and resounding…“Hallelujah and Amen!”
P.S. The Lord has promised a new heaven and new earth for his redeemed, with no more moral or spiritual decay. I believe that, do you?