A. W. Tozer described faith as “the gaze of a soul upon a saving God.” In Psalm 11 we see David looking to God while he apparently is being tempted to only look at the wicked and flee. While there may be times when you need to flee in life, your fleeing can be done in confidence and peace as you trust God. (Remember Joseph? Genesis 39) In times of trial, the action of looking reveals who you are trusting. If you look more to the enemy and yourself than to God, you will surly fail. However, if you behold the face of God you can do right with His help as David concludes, “For the LORD is righteous; he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face.” (Psalm 11:7 ESV). To whom are you looking when the enemy attacks and temptation is strong? Victory over sin comes as you look to God as A. W. Tozer explains:
The man who has struggled to purify himself and has had nothing but repeated failures will experience real relief when he stops tinkering with his soul and looks away to the perfect One. While he looks at Christ the very things he has so long been trying to do will be getting done within him. It will be God working in him to will and to do (The Pursuit of God, A. W. Tozer).
As you read Psalm 11, gaze upon the Lord with David by noticing what he affirms about “the LORD”:
1. The LORD is a person of refuge – vs. 1
2. While the LORD is in heaven, He still sees – vs.4
3. While He sees, the LORD tests men and women – vs.4
4. While He tests the righteous, the LORD will judge the wicked – vs. 5
5. While He punishes wickedness, The LORD remains righteous – vs.6
The only way to live for God is to constantly look upon Him.
Look and live my friend!
Magnify! 