In the Lord I put my trust;
How can you say to my soul,
“Flee as a bird to your mountain”?
2 For look! The wicked bend their bow,
They make ready their arrow on the string,
That they may shoot secretly at the upright in heart.
3 If the foundations are destroyed,
What can the righteous do?
4 The Lord is in His holy temple,
The Lord’s throne is in heaven;
His eyes behold,
His eyelids test the sons of men.
5 The Lord tests the righteous,
But the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates.
6 Upon the wicked He will rain coals;
Fire and brimstone and a burning wind
Shall be the portion of their cup.
7 For the Lord is righteous,
He loves righteousness;
His countenance beholds the upright. Psalm 11:1–7 (NKJV)
Have you ever looked at the world around you? You have thought, “Everything feels like it’s falling apart, what can we even do?” That’s exactly the question David wrestled with in Psalm 11.
He begins with a declaration: “In the Lord put I my trust.” But almost instantly, he’s met with advice that sounds all too familiar: “Flee as a bird to your mountain.” In other words, “Run away. Save yourself. Things are too dangerous. There’s nothing left to stand on.”
David describes the situation: the wicked are ready with their weapons, aiming at the upright in heart. The foundations of truth and justice seem shaken. Then comes the haunting question: “If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (v.3).
It’s a question we feel in our own time. Culture, politics, or even personal circumstances shake the ground beneath us.
But David doesn’t stop there. He lifts his eyes upward and finds his answer:
God is still on the throne.
“The Lord is in his holy temple, the Lord’s throne is in heaven.” (v.4)
Though the world feels unstable, God’s rule never wavers.
God sees and tests His people.
“His eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.” (v.4–5)
Our trials are not wasted, they are opportunities for our faith to be refined.
God will judge the wicked.
“Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone.” (v.6)
Evil may prosper for a season, but God’s justice is sure.
God loves the righteous.
For the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness; His countenance beholds the upright.(v.7)
Those who walk with Him have His favor and His gaze upon them.
Food for Thought
When the foundations of life seem destroyed, the answer is not flight or despair but trust. God is still on His throne. He still sees. He still judges rightly. And He still loves His people.
So today, instead of letting fear drive you to the mountains, let faith anchor you to the throne of God.
✨ Reflection Question:
Where in your life do the “foundations” feel shaken right now — and how can you shift your focus upward, like David, to the God who reigns?