THE GOD WHO TESTS

A serious crisis had developed for the psalmist. The wicked were targetting their assult upon him, and that in the night season. The foundations of his faith were in danger. What can he do?

Well-intentioned friends (or foes) suggest his fleeing to the mountains. But he had already committed both himself and the danger to the Lord, v. 1. His priorities were right, for faith asserts itself before the keenness of the trial is felt: otherwise, it could be overwhelming. He had set the Lord always before him, so he would not be moved, Psa. 16. 8. Flight can put him in the firing line of those arrows of unbelief. He must take the shield of faith, having kept it oiled for such an eventuality, 2 Sam. 1. 21 R.V.; Eph. 6. 16. For this warfare, his hand had been taught by his Lord, Psa. 144. 1. (Contrast the low state of the people when no shield was available, for Deborah sang, “was there a shield or spear seen among forty thousand in Israel?, Jud. 5. 8.)

But the trial was real. Although it was of the enemy, yet it was to be used by the Lord, and must be accepted as such, Psa.

11. 5. Faith, being more precious than gold, when passing through the refining fire can be unto praise, honour and glory, 1 Pet. 1. 7. Therefore, “count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations”, because the trying of faith works endurance, James 1. 2-3.

“The Lord’s throne is in heaven”, Psa. 11. 4, and Jesus the Author and Finisher of faith is there! Thus, looking off from self, and steadfastly to Him who endured to the end, we see the outcome of our faith, Heb. 12. 2-3; 1 Pet. 1. 9.

For those exercised by the trial, the discipline of the trial is evidence of sonship, and is for profit, so that there will be a partaking of God’s holiness, Heb. 12. 7-11. Although God shows hard things to His people, yet at the same time He gives them a banner to be displayed because of the truth of all God’s ways, Psa. 60. 3-4.

The ultimate issue is to “behold his face”, Psa. 11. 7 R.V., and to be able to bless the hand that guided and the heart that planned. Look for the token of good in the trial, for the Lord is good, Psa. 86. 5, 17.