Neither Helpless Nor Hopeless

Psalm 11

This psalm anticipates the New Testament picture of the Lord as both the one who reigns from on high (verse 4), and yet is present in the midst of our earthly lives, in this case protecting the psalmist from enemies. This latter part may seem contradictory to what we might anticipate in the New Testament and its teaching concerning our attitude toward others (e.g. “From now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view” 2 Corinthians 5:16).

I think what we are to take from the stark language of verse 6 considering the Lord’s action against certain people, is the contrast between the Lord’s power – he who reigns from on high – to those on the merely earthly plane who work evil. In other words, God uses his awesome power for the working of good. That is a source of encouragement for those who daily seek to align themselves with his will.

Prayer:
Lord, there is so much that seems beyond our control. Yet we are not helpless, because you are powerful, you are present, and you are for us. With those three realities working together, I have only to open myself to your control and your gracious will for me. You don’t want us to feel helpless, because we’re not. In Jesus. Amen.