Be Righteous for God is Righteous
Psalm 11
The psalmist is acknowledging several things in Psalm 11. Throughout it all is the idea
that righteousness is the way of God! In the first place, God is the place where the
righteous ones are able to find shelter and help in difficult times. The psalmist
acknowledges there are times in life when the bottom will fall out from under people and
they need a place to be secure. That place is God! In the second place, the psalmist is
reminding the readers of the location of God. People need to realize that God does not
change location or move; we are the ones guilty of changing positions and places. God
remains constant and true through all circumstances. God is the one who is working with
us and through us to accomplish good in this world. The righteous need to remember that
all discipline, hardship, struggle is for our endearment so that we might prevail as
stronger people in the end. Ultimately remaining righteous in the eyes of God through the
blood of Jesus, we will be victorious! We shall behold the face of God and rejoice with all
the righteous ones.
Consider Psalm 11:
“1In the LORD I take refuge; how can you say to my soul, "Flee like a bird to your
mountain, 2for behold, the wicked bend the bow; they have fitted their arrow to the
string to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart; 3if the foundations are destroyed,
what can the righteous do?" 4The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD’s throne is in
heaven; his eyes see, his eyelids test the children of man. 5The LORD tests the
righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence. 6Let him rain coals
on the wicked; fire and sulfur and a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup. 7For
the LORD is righteous; he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face.”
Notice the confidence displayed in the beginning because of a righteous lifestyle. As
a Christian, one is able to be solidified in the Lord and able to say, “Let come what may.”
The psalmist knew where his place of safety was found. He understood the eyes of the
Lord and how they worked to provide and prove mankind. He recognized the punishment
for the wicked!
Consider the last verse, how that God is righteous and desires righteous deeds. Many
today claim that faith alone is sufficient for salvation. What about Psalm 11.7? God loves
those who do righteous things. James in the fourth chapter of his letter told us that
knowing to do good and refusing to do it is SIN. Conclude, then if you do not do righteous
acts you would be unrighteous or sinful in nature. The wicked are those that the psalmist
saw fire, sulfur, and scorching wind falling from God upon them. Also, James would
illustrate this point in the first chapter with the man who looks in the mirror and goes
away forgetting what he saw. James says this man is a hearer of the word and not a
DOER! God desires His children be doers of the word as James continues into chapter
two. We must seek opportunity to do good. It is equally true that good works will not
save you alone, but the saved do good works. Why? Because these good works help to
keep us righteous in the eyes of God, so that one day we can behold His face. I do not
know about you, but I am looking forward to seeing God face to face. I am rejoicing right
now at the possibility of living with God for all eternity, something that is possible for you
as well!
Have a great and blessed week,
Rodney Livingston
Psalm 11
The psalmist is acknowledging several things in Psalm 11. Throughout it all is the idea
that righteousness is the way of God! In the first place, God is the place where the
righteous ones are able to find shelter and help in difficult times. The psalmist
acknowledges there are times in life when the bottom will fall out from under people and
they need a place to be secure. That place is God! In the second place, the psalmist is
reminding the readers of the location of God. People need to realize that God does not
change location or move; we are the ones guilty of changing positions and places. God
remains constant and true through all circumstances. God is the one who is working with
us and through us to accomplish good in this world. The righteous need to remember that
all discipline, hardship, struggle is for our endearment so that we might prevail as
stronger people in the end. Ultimately remaining righteous in the eyes of God through the
blood of Jesus, we will be victorious! We shall behold the face of God and rejoice with all
the righteous ones.
Consider Psalm 11:
“1In the LORD I take refuge; how can you say to my soul, "Flee like a bird to your
mountain, 2for behold, the wicked bend the bow; they have fitted their arrow to the
string to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart; 3if the foundations are destroyed,
what can the righteous do?" 4The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD’s throne is in
heaven; his eyes see, his eyelids test the children of man. 5The LORD tests the
righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence. 6Let him rain coals
on the wicked; fire and sulfur and a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup. 7For
the LORD is righteous; he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face.”
Notice the confidence displayed in the beginning because of a righteous lifestyle. As
a Christian, one is able to be solidified in the Lord and able to say, “Let come what may.”
The psalmist knew where his place of safety was found. He understood the eyes of the
Lord and how they worked to provide and prove mankind. He recognized the punishment
for the wicked!
Consider the last verse, how that God is righteous and desires righteous deeds. Many
today claim that faith alone is sufficient for salvation. What about Psalm 11.7? God loves
those who do righteous things. James in the fourth chapter of his letter told us that
knowing to do good and refusing to do it is SIN. Conclude, then if you do not do righteous
acts you would be unrighteous or sinful in nature. The wicked are those that the psalmist
saw fire, sulfur, and scorching wind falling from God upon them. Also, James would
illustrate this point in the first chapter with the man who looks in the mirror and goes
away forgetting what he saw. James says this man is a hearer of the word and not a
DOER! God desires His children be doers of the word as James continues into chapter
two. We must seek opportunity to do good. It is equally true that good works will not
save you alone, but the saved do good works. Why? Because these good works help to
keep us righteous in the eyes of God, so that one day we can behold His face. I do not
know about you, but I am looking forward to seeing God face to face. I am rejoicing right
now at the possibility of living with God for all eternity, something that is possible for you
as well!
Have a great and blessed week,
Rodney Livingston
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