1 In the Lord I take refuge.
How then can you say to me:
“Flee like a bird to your mountain.
2 For look, the wicked bend their bows;
they set their arrows against the strings
to shoot from the shadows
at the upright in heart.
3 When the foundations are being destroyed,
what can the righteous do?”
How do each of these three verses relate to what our society experiences today?
What difference to David do you think it makes to begin with the phrase "In the Lord I take refuge"?
How does the first phrase of verse 1 contrast with the "foundations" being destroyed in verse 3?
4 The Lord is in his holy temple;
the Lord is on his heavenly throne.
He observes everyone on earth;
his eyes examine them.
5 The Lord examines the righteous,
but the wicked, those who love violence,
he hates with a passion.
6 On the wicked he will rain
fiery coals and burning sulfur;
a scorching wind will be their lot.
Look at verse 5: In which group would the Lord consider you?
What does it mean to have the Lord "examine" you?
When applied out of context, these three verses can appear alarming. How does the context of the first three verses provide deeper understanding for these 3?
7 For the Lord is righteous,
he loves justice;
the upright will see his face. NIV
With the first phrase of verse 1, verse 7 bookends this pslam. How are these similar?
What would your life be like if every aspect were "upright"? What challenges or difficult scenarios might occur (i.e. verses 1-3) as a result?
Take a moment to pray for the courage to stand for what is "upright" in a world that is tossing and turning upside down.
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