## What Can We Do?

## Psalms 11:3

Verse three is a question, not a concession. What can we do? There is MUCH we can do.

Everyone goes through the cycle of problems. Pressures mount up on everyone. Some seem to be able to handle certain problems and pressures better than others can.

Here we see David's struggle with, and triumph over a strong temptation to distrust God, and try to take matters into his own hands in a time of danger.

Have you ever felt so overwhelmed that you no longer trusted God to take care of you? Have you seen your enemies with their bows bent and arrows ready to strike your heart? Have you ever felt that the very foundations of your life were crumbling beneath your feet? Then listen carefully to what David has to say here. If you haven't experienced similar fears and concerns realize that they will come. How will we respond?

I. Don't Run Away. v1

A. Many think that it is the answer.

1. Problems on the job...quit!

2. Problems in the home...leave!

3. Problems in your life that come...retreat into the bottle or drugs.

4. The answer to life's problems is a proper relationship with the Lord!

B. David said, "In the Lord put I my trust"

1. There is no doubt that times were difficult.

2. At this time in David's life he was being persecuted and was not the popular king of Israel that he later would become.

3. This was a dark time in his life.

4. All of us have either been there, are there, or will be there.

C. David wasn't going to flee to some mountain refuge, but his refuge was the Lord!

1. Eph 6:13,"Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."

2. This verse tells us that we can stand.

3. It won't be an easy stand, but we can stand.

4. It will take the whole armour of God.

a. When we pray and engage God on our side, what can be the cause of our flight?

b. We can pray, so why run?

c. It would not be much witness of our faith to pray and then run away.

5. When pressures and hard times come, don't run away.

a. Where are you going to run to?

b. The other side of town?

c. Another state?

d. Are you going to leave your home, your family, and run?

e. How do we keep from running?

II. Trust in the Lord. v1

A. Trust.

1. This is the O.T. word for the N.T. word Faith.

2. It means to believe.

3. It occurs 152 times in the O.T. and carries the connotation of "taking refuge" or to lean on.

4. We need to learn to trust the Lord.

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." (Prov 3:5-6)

B. The Lord in whom we are to trust.

1. He is on the throne! v4

a. That means He hasn't given up on us.

b. He hasn't been defeated.

c. It may seem to some that at Calvary Christ failed...but they are ignorant of God's Word on this.

d. The suffering and death of Jesus Christ was vital to the plan of redemption for mankind.

e. "...Without shedding of blood (there) is no remission." cf Heb. 9:22

2. He sees what is going on. v4

a. One of His attributes is 'omni- science' which means He is all knowledgeable.

b. Nothing happens that He doesn't know about.

c. At times we are tempted to think that God doesn't know what is happening in our lives, but nothing could be further from the truth.

d. "For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings." cf Pro. 5:21

3. He 'trieth' and 'loveth' the righteous. v5;7

a. These terms may appear to be contradictory, but they aren't.

b. He tries our faith, to strengthen us, and to cause us to turn to Him.

c. David was experiencing trials, and some were telling him that he ought to flee like a bird to a mountain.

d. At times, God allows trials to come into our life to build our faith and trust in Him.

e. Why, because He loves us!

4. He will bring judgment upon the wicked. v5-6

a. Here we see the contrast between the righteous and the unrighteous.

b. They may threaten the righteous with persecution and attacks.

c. They may chip away at the foundations of our faith.

d. But their future is just as sure as ours!

e. Remember, God knows what is going on, and He will deal with them, in His time.

III. What can the righteous do?

A. Don't run away, stand fast.

B. Don't try to take matters in our own hands.

C. Trust in the Lord, He loves you.

IV. What can the unrighteous do?

A. Repent and turn to Him.

B. He will receive you.

C. He will turn no one away