For this reason, a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.

Genesis 2:24 (NASB)

The family is the foundational unit of society. That was God’s plan from the beginning. It was into the family that babies were born, children were instructed in the right and two people, working together, created a place of security and stability.

But something has happened—and in record time, it would seem. Did the chickens of a corrupt society come home to roost in the family room or has the breakdown of the traditional family undermined society? Whichever is true, these words of David’s Psalm 11 capture the fever of the times:

For behold, the wicked bend the bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string to shoot in the darkness at the upright in heart. If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do? Psalm 11:2,3 (NASB)

We need to do as David did. Look to God. “The Lord is in His holy temple.”(Psalm 11:4) Our Lord hasn’t gone anywhere and from His vantage point, nothing escapes His notice. He is in control. But it is hard to look up when you are fighting to maintain your balance. 

But again the question. “If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” The good news is that the foundations might be cracked and shaking, but they have not fallen. And we can do a few things. 

We can pray. No matter where we are when we start, praying about something brings us out in a better place. Let me be clear. Prayer is not an action; it is a connection. It isn’t a break from reality; it is an opportunity to connect with the Reality. David, again. “For the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness; the upright will behold His face.” (Psalm 11:7)

Our family needs to hear from us. The kids (grandkids) go to church, are busy with youth group and wouldn’t miss church camp. Great! But they need our personal witness  to connect the dots between a prepared lesson and real life. “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Josh. 24:15) is a great plaque for the entryway, but it should also be the banner that flies high over your home and a sign of the living commitment shared by all who live there.

Dear Lord,

In these wicked days, teach us how to live, how to pray and how to rest in You. Amen.

Nancy Shirah