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Mar
24
2009
Psalm 11:1ff
In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain?
For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart.
If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?
The 3rd verse of this Psalm is constantly and consistently used to strike fear in the hearts of God’s people. I know; I’ve done it before, but I was wrong. Verse 3 is the end of an accusation and temptation that is hurled at King David. Psalm 11 is David dealing with those giving him advice.
Here’s the short version.
David: “I’m trusting the LORD. Why are you advising me with this?”
Advice: “Run away, because the evil peope are going to kill you.”
Fear amongst God’s People
Verse 3 explains why the advisors were so worried. They viewed King David as part of “the foundations”. His life was in danger and so was his reign as king. If both he and his reign ended, they worried about what would happen to the righteous. They came to the conclusion that they would be helpless.
David’s Answer
Psalm 11:4
The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD’S throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.
David continues his argument against fleeing (remember that he began it in verse 1: “In the LORD put I my trust.”) by leveling a startling blow against the very heart of their contention: that his godly reign as king was essential. David argues that the true “foundations” cannot be destroyed. Why? “The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD’s throne is in heaven.” As long as God is still King and still reigning from heaven, Israel will be fine. If David dies, God will raise up another. If that king is killed, God will do it again, and no one is going to remove God from His throne.
What it means to me?
Yes, I am concerned by the cultural changes occurring in my country. Yes, I am bothered to see that dictionaries are changing their definition of marriage. Yes, I don’t like seeing apostasy creep or sometimes storm into our churches. BUT…
The foundations of my faith will not be destroyed. God’s word is still true, God still reigns from heaven, and the Gospel of Christ is just as powerful to save as it ever has been. Furthermore, because the foundation of my life is my faith in the God of the Bible (vs. 1), the foundations of my life are secure as well.
Do not let the Devil or the preacher or anyone in between convince you that there is no hope. My faith is not in a godly president. My hope is not in a Christian society. My faith and hope are in the Lord, and the foundations will not be destroyed.
Previous Comments
#1 from Isaac Henricks on March 24, 2009
That’s a very profound thought John. I’ll be honest, I’ve never questioned the context of that particular verse. I only hear it when it is used to defend the Bible. You definitely got me thinking. Thanks!
#2 from John P. Grasty on March 25, 2009
Hey Isaac. Good to hear from you. I know exactly what you’re saying. That’s how I had always dealt with it too. I forget who got me thinking along these lines, but it really seems to make sense in context.