A Firm Foundation

When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do? The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD is on his heavenly throne.

Psalm 11:3-4

When David wrote these verses, many of the things he considered secure in his life were crumbling around him. He was pursued by an enemy and forced to flee from his home. He was separated from loved ones. He was separated from the temple and, therefore, from corporate worship of God. He faced desperate times of danger and uncertainty. He, who had bravely fought lions as a shepherd and defeated a giant as a young man, was now too familiar with fear as a companion. 

Perhaps some of you are experiencing a similar situation. Many of the things you considered secure in your life are crumbling around you. The spread of the Coronavirus has resulted in separation from loved ones through quarantine or death. Some of you have lost jobs. Others have seen savings vanish. In this time of danger and uncertainty, you are overwhelmed with a sense of desperation and fear. 

In this God-inspired psalm, David asks a significant question. When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do? (Psalm 11:3) What are we believers to do in these uncertain times?

The answer follows: The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD is on his heavenly throne (Psalm 11:4). First, God desires us to shift our focus from the dire situation to Him in His holy temple. The temple represented God’s dwelling place and man’s place of worship. And so, when circumstances shake us to the core, we are to draw near to the presence of God through inward and outward worship of God’s unchanging character.  

Second, God desires us to focus on His sovereignty. God is on His heavenly throne. He reigns over all things at all times. Though things may appear out of control, God continues to work His established plan that will lead to His glory and the good of those who love Him. 

In this time of uncertainty, where is your focus?

Jan