Who is in control?
In Psalm 11 David is basically saying that God is in control regardless of the circumstances. This is a solid message and one that I think very few Christians truly comprehend.
David basically says why would I run to the hills when I know the character of God? When the arrows are pointed at me, why would I hide when I know who is in control. This connection to the reality of His character brings tremendous comfort, once you learn to trust Him.
I can honestly say, when I was young in my faith, I doubted my relationship with God. I did not understand. I could not comprehend His character. I saw so many bad things in the world. I just figured God showed up when He wanted to. But later, I see His hand all the time. I have grown in my faith to truly trust Him.
This is especially true when I am surrounded by my own mistakes and by others who make poor choices. I can see the consequences of my own actions and also the actions of others. Then we beg for God to intervene and are confused when we are not rescued in a manner consistent with our own ideas and timing.
Look at the last part of the chapter:
7 God’s business is putting things right;
he loves getting the lines straight,
Setting us straight. Once we’re standing tall,
we can look him straight in the eye.
This also shows David understanding of God’s place in our lives. It is easy to just say that we believe that God is in control. But how does this work in your life today? How does it work when the rubber hits the road? I can honestly say that when I chose to give up control of my life, I had nothing to hide. I could face God without fear. I could seek His face with anticipation instead of fear.
Let’s look at a practical example of authority in our lives that we all can identify with, a police officer. In my youth, I was not a model citizen. I would speed, drink and drive, and who knows what else happened back then. Every time I would get behind the wheel, my eyes would spend as much time looking int he rear view mirror as on the road. I spent so much time trying to avoid getting into trouble. Once I turned 21, my life was miraculously changed. I turned my life over to God and gave up control. The behavioral change had some other benefits as well. I suddenly found myself looking in the rearview mirror for other reasons. I would actually wave at police officers. If a police officer was behind me, I did not fear because I was not doing anything wrong. This understanding of the authority of a police officer did not change. It was always the same. But I changed.
I hope you can identify with this idea. Once we give up control, once we understand who ultimately has control, the world starts making sense.
