The Bow, The Arrow, The Attack -- Psalm 11

This week, we cover a very short Psalm ... Psalm 11

Verses 1-4 I don't know if you know, but it is quite possible that the coolest weapon of all time is the bow and arrow. When I was probably around six years old, my family took a trip to the Grand Canyon where my parents bought me a toy bow and arrow set. As the toy was placed in my hands, my mind changed from one of a six year old boy to that of an assassin, thirsty for imaginary blood. As we drove on the road I would pretend to shoot passing cars with my Indian like skills, as we exited the car, I would climb out the window - life was intense. No matter what it took, I was going to kill the entire world with my toy weapon. Anyway, we read this Psalm, and we find that the thought process of the devil is no different than that of a six year old boy. Let me be truthful - the devil is very powerful, and he knows our tendency to sin. The fact of the matter is that the Bible tells us that Satan is as a roaring lion that roams the earth ready to feast. So why would I ever say that he is like a six year old boy? In the story I just shared about my embarrassing childhood, I honestly thought that I could take over the world with my bow and arrow. Reading the Psalm, we find that the Devil is no different. He holds HIS bow and HIS arrow just as i did when i was a boy - hoping to take over the world. He shoots at us hoping that someday it just might do some damage ... but when the arrow hits, it just bounces off like the plastic arrows I had when i was six. Let me tell you something, the world will not only shoot "arrows" at you in this life, but bullets and missiles too. There will be temptations in your life, there will be hard times - times of frustration or maybe even sorrow. Sure, you might falter here or there (all people sin - Rom 3:23), but ultimately, the devil can do you no harm. As David concludes, the Lord is on the throne in heaven ready to defend his people. The devil hopes to someday destroy your foundation ... If you put your trust in the Father, he will never succeed.

Verses 5-7 When we read this, it's important to distinguish between attack and trial. The devil wants to attack you because he wants to make you look like a fool before the throne of God. On the other hand, God allows this to happen as a test. We read in James, God's only intention in trial is to develop our faith and our perseverance for our ultimate goal in Christ Jesus. This is partly why the devil will never succeed in bringing you down if you cling to the Father. God will never allow Satan to attack you beyond what you are able to handle - we read about this in the book of Job. The awesome part is that God is on our side. I would hate to be on the other side of the fight, for David says all that is reserved for those who stand in wickedness is fire and brimstone - which doesn't sound very nice. GOD LOVES RIGHTEOUSNESS. GOD LOVES YOU.

The devil may set his bow and his arrow against you ... well, he might even attack you from time to time, but God knows you and all that you are capable of in Him.

Have a great week

- Chris