Psalm 11- Foundations

 Psalm 11- Foundations

Psalms11:1-7 (NET) 1 In the LORD I have taken shelter. How can you say to me, "Flee to a mountain like a bird! 2 For look, the wicked prepare their bows, they put their arrows on the strings, to shoot in the darkness at the morally upright. 3 When the foundations are destroyed, what can the godly accomplish?" 

4 The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD's throne is in heaven. His eyes watch; his eyes examine all people. 5 The LORD approves of the godly, but he hates the wicked and those who love to do violence. 6 May the LORD rain down burning coals and brimstone on the wicked! A whirlwind is what they deserve! 7 Certainly the LORD is just; he rewards godly deeds; the upright will experience his favor.

I’m writing this on July 5th, the day after American Independence Day, so it is a good time to think about foundations. In this psalm, the writer asks the question, “When the foundations are destroyed, what can the godly accomplish?" 

That question is certainly applicable to this day when all the foundations of our country are being attacked. Patriotism, family, religion, morality and even rational thought all under attack by the forces of evil in our time. So what can the godly accomplish?

We are reminded, and we need to remind our nation, that “The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD's throne is in heaven. His eyes watch; his eyes examine all people.” This thought is mirrored in the New Testament in the second letter to Timothy:

2 Timothy 2:19 (NET)

19 However, God's solid foundation remains standing, bearing this seal: "The Lord knows those who are his," and "Everyone whoconfesses the name of the Lord must turn away from evil."

And he continues:

2Timothy 2:22-23 (NET) 22 But keep away from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faithfulness, love, and peace, in company with others who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23 But reject foolish and ignorant controversies, because you know they breed infighting.

The earthly and philosophical foundations of America may be under attack, but the true foundations of our faith are unshakable. The Lord is in his holy temple… we can think back to Psalm 2 where we see the picture of the Lord, sitting on his throne in heaven, laughing at the evil schemes of the world leaders. 

Our charge is to keep the faith and to “confess the name of the Lord must turn away from evil." And to “But keep away from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faithfulness, love, and peace, in company with others who call on the Lord from a pure heart.”  We are also to avoid foolish and ignorant controversies. This is not an easy task in this day and age when all the world seems to be spiraling downwards toward chaos and destruction. However the only true defense against darkness is light. (1 John 1:5-7) if we can live in a manner that shows righteousness , faithfulness, love and peace, some will take notice and turn from darkness to the light.

In the end, the psalmist reminds us of the promise that the Lord watches over and will reward the faithful:

 Psalms11:7 (NET) Certainly the LORD is just; he rewards godly deeds; the upright will experience his favor.

So take heart. Build your life on the foundations rooted in heaven and strive to build on the kingdom principles of righteousness, peace and joy. As the Apostle Paul put it:

2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NET) Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with you all.