Feb 29
When the Foundations are Being Destroyed
Today’s Scripture: [no verses scheduled for this day, choose some of your favorites]
Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalm 11
Ps 11:1 In the LORD I take refuge.
How then can you say to me:
“Flee like a bird to your mountain.
2 For look, the wicked bend their bows;
they set their arrows against the strings
to shoot from the shadows
at the upright in heart.
3 When the foundations are being destroyed,
what can the righteous do?”
4 The LORD is in his holy temple;
the LORD is on his heavenly throne.
He observes everyone on earth;
his eyes examine them.
5 The LORD examines the righteous,
but the wicked, those who love violence,
he hates with a passion.
6 On the wicked he will rain
fiery coals and burning sulfur;
a scorching wind will be their lot.
7 For the LORD is righteous,
he loves justice;
the upright will see his face.
When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?
I’ve often seen this verse ripped from its context as a call to take things into our own hands. That is not what the verse calls for. When we see violence, injustice and wickedness around us, what should we do—the righteous, that is?
We should take refuge in the LORD who sees it all and will one day bring judgment and make all things right.
No need to listen to the voices who promote fear and urge you to flee to another place—to flee as a bird to the mountains. Perhaps God has placed you here for such a time as this.
This is certainly no call to take things into our own hands—to assert power or to be manipulated by those who seek it. Our trust is in God—not in political might. It is no excuse for resorting to violence or blind faith in unrighteous strongmen. God’s solutions are always accomplished in ways that are in keeping with his righteous ways.
It is not a call to fight—at least not in a conventional sense that ignores the teachings of Christ. It is a call to trust God. If there is a fight to be waged, it will be with weapons that are not of this world–a call to prayer.
Most importantly, even when everything seems to be falling apart, God is still on the throne. He observes it all. When the time is right, judgement will come. That is his domain—and his judgements are based in justice and truth.
Vengeance is not our business, revenge is not our lot; we leave all the injustice and wickedness and violence to the Lord the Judge… he will make things right, in his time.
We are to take refuge in Him—we place our trust in Him. This is our responsibility. Our safety is in God’s hands as we trust and find refuge in God. He will vindicate. We will see his face.
Again, remember that the Lord is in his holy Temple, on his heavenly throne. He knows what is going on, He will bring righteous judgment, for the Lord is righteous and he loves justice;
The upright will see his face. Even when the foundations seem to be crumbling. He has not forgotten you—take refuge in him.
Lord, sometimes it seems the foundations are crumbling. I sometimes fail to understand what is going on around me. In these troubled times, help me to put my trust in you. You see it all, and in perfect justice, you will make it right in your time. Amen.
pastor jeff's neighborhood 