Psalm 11:1-2 In the LORD, I take refuge. How then can you say to me: "Flee like a bird to your mountain. For look, the wicked bend their bows; they set their arrows against the strings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart
Leading up to David becoming the King of all Israel, he spent years as a fugitive, avoiding King Saul, who was attempting to kill him. David was initially hired as a musician to play the harp and soothe the anxiety-filled soul of King Saul. Later Saul used David in some military campaigns, and He became a very proficient commander in the Army of Israel. There was a chant or song that the people sang about David's success as a military leader, recorded in 1 Samuel 18:7; this made Saul envious of David, which started David's life on the run for his life. It seems that David was fleeing from some of his enemies when he penned this Psalm; however, we do not know the actual contextual occurrence.
The advice David was getting from his friends was to "Flee like a bird to your mountain." These well-meaning friends were only looking out after David's safety, but David realized it was the wrong thing to do. His reaction was that he should take "refuge" in The Lord and not in the caves and crevices of the mountains. Charles Spurgeon said: "he would rather dare the danger than exhibit a distrust in the Lord his God." In today's language, to bend their bows and set their arrows would be like saying, "you need to run because there is a loaded gun pointed at your head."
We saw this same thing happen in the Book of Job. His friends were telling him what was happening to him was because of some sin in his life. They further advised him that if he eliminated the sins, his misery would stop. Job's friends, just like David's friends were looking out for his best interest. The advice from David's and Job's friends were to place their faith and trust in some worldly protection, something that they could do personally, instead of putting their faith and trust in the Lord God Almighty.
We see this same situation when Peter advised Jesus not to go to Jerusalem and the Cross. Peter meant well, but Satan was using him to try to put a stop to God's Master Plan, that is of Jesus going to the Cross for the sins of all humankind (Matthew 16:21-23).
We must be cautious about the advice that we give to people. Sometimes we can be very confident in our perception of a particular situation, like Job's friends, but be wrong in our advice. Our motives can be well-meaning and excellent advice, but not in line with God's will for the situation. The advice we give anyone concerning any problem they are facing must measure up against the Word of God. If our advice leads someone to place their faith and trust in some worldly aspect or accomplishment of themselves, instead of faith in Christ Jesus, we give the wrong advice. On His Way to the Cross, Peter's advice to Christ Jesus came from Satan and not the God who created all of heaven and earth.
Even though there were people around David that told him that it was open season on him, David held fast to his faith and trust in the Lord God. It is not difficult to lose sight of our perspective of the true Gospel when we realize we are in danger of being threatened. The world needs to witness God's Children, looking risk in the face and proclaiming that our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus, is in control over all that happens on this earth. Let us all strive to be known for our trust in God instead of melting at the first sign of danger; this is what being a good witness for Christ Jesus is all about.
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