WHEN FOUNDATIONS ARE SHAKEN

Psalm 11

            This psalm was apparently written in a time of crisis.  Someone has advised King David to flee to his mountain refuge and escape the danger around him.  “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” (verses 1, 2).  The situation must have been rather dire.  How bad was it?  Look at verse 4, “When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?”  In other words, “David!  There is nothing you can do!  The wicked are destroying the very foundations of our society!  They are out to get you!  Run away!”

            We hear the same kind of thing all the time, don’t we?  “Our culture is on the fast track to hell!  Things aren’t like they used to be!  Evil is on the increase all around us!  The very foundations of our country are being attacked and there is nothing we can do about it!  We should pull out and stay safe!”

            There is a lot of truth in those cries.  I’m old enough to remember when there was a general spirit of morality among people.  There was a common respect.  There was a different work ethic.  Christianity and the church were still held in high esteem.  And it is true that these things have largely disappeared.  The doomsayers seem to stand on solid ground.  In fact, I just heard on the news this morning that a reputable financial analyst is predicting a serious fiscal storm in the near future.  It does appear that things are going downhill fast and much of what we love about our country and our society seems to be in great danger of taking the slide.  I have heard many people state their version of, “When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?”

            Look at David’s answer to his advisors.  “In the LORD I take refuge (v.1).  The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD is on his heavenly throne.  He observes the sons of men; his eyes examine them (v.4).  In other words, “Why are you looking at what is going on around you?  Look to heaven!  Take refuge in God!  What do you see in heaven?  Is God still on his throne?  Is he ignorant of what is going on here?”

            These are words of great encouragement to Christian people.  Just because things seem to be falling apart around us it does not mean that we run away and hide!  After all, our comfort and security are not found in the things of the world.  There is no refuge in this world!  We take our refuge in God himself!  He’s still in control and always will be.  Faith stands firm and continues the battle for the kingdom of heaven.  Fear flees.  Faith depends on God.  Fear is shaken by political, social, and economic circumstances.

            Why should we give up and run away?  David tells the righteous why they need to stay and live in faith, “For the LORD is righteous, he loves justice; upright men will see his face (v. 7).  This is the promise upon which we take our stand.  God’s justice will prevail!  In the end, those who stand firm in faith will see his face!  When the foundations are being destroyed there is nothing we can do in our own strength.  But God will bring justice and righteousness.  That’s why we put our faith in him!