Are the Foundations Destroyed? (Psalm 11:3)

 Are the Foundations Destroyed?

“if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:3 ESV)

Let me give you a little context for this critical question. The psalmist begins with the strong words: “In the Lord I take refuge.” It’s the statement of a person who fears the Lord, and therefore is not afraid of a great many other things. Immediately following this assertion of faith, he answers those who have been giving him advice. The advice is “Flee like a bird to your mountain, for behold, the wicked bend the bow; they have fitted their arrow to the string to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart.” They are saying, “David, you are in great danger, and you need to take adequate safety measures.” “Flee to the mountains.”

According to the translation in our text, the critical question, “if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” - is a question posed by doubters; by safety seekers. It is as if they are saying, “we are outnumbered, and therefore we are in trouble. The foundations are destroyed, and all is lost.” We must be quick to notice that this attitude stands in stark contrast to David’s opening statement of faith: “In the Lord I take refuge.”

Perhaps you remember the story in the Book of Acts later in Paul’s ministry when he purposed to return from Asia to Jerusalem. He stops at the house of Philip in Caesarea, and Agabus (there’s a name for your next baby boy) graphically prophecies that, if he goes, he will suffer danger and persecution, and there is no indication that this is a false prophecy! Here is Paul’s reply: Acts 21:13 Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” ¹⁴ And since he would not be persuaded, we fell silent, remarking, “The will of the Lord be done!” Paul might have, like David in Psalm 11, begun his statement like this: “In the Lord I take refuge.” 

Has the true church in our time (all those that believe the Gospel) “fled to the mountains?” Have we substituted prudence for faith and faithfulness? Have we adopted a safe approach, purposing to offend no one with the truth, forgoing mission in order to live out our faith privately? Have we come to accept that “the foundations are destroyed?” We must remember what Scripture teaches us. Our foundation is God and the Gospel. Jesus is the cornerstone, chosen and precious, and whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame.” Therefore, like David and Paul, let’s not flee, but follow our God faithfully, wherever He leads.