In the LORD I take refuge. How then can you say to me: “Flee like a bird to your mountain. When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:1,3)

In this psalm, David’s steadfast response to the words and deeds of the wicked who “bend their bows; they set their arrows against the strings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart” (Psalm 11:2) is called into question—seemingly by his own followers.

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

Can you hear the helpless fear as David’s followers search for a way out of an impossible situation? Can you see the defeat and terror in their eyes as they prepare for enemies closing in around them and striking from the shadows without warning? They thought the only thing David could do was flee, like a bird to his mountain where he’d be safe, or else he’d be brought to ruin.

We’re not told what the attacks of the wicked were—whether they were verbal or physical attacks; attempts to destroy David’s reputation, or seek his life. David didn’t deem those details worthy of remembrance, because his enemies and their attacks weren’t his focus. No, his focus was on the Lord.

Whoever was questioning David’s decision to turn to the Lord and take refuge in him had it all wrong. The foundations weren’t being destroyed by the wicked. They weren’t even being shaken. And David certainly wasn’t helpless. Not even close. Not if the foundations for his life were the Lord himself.

As David began the psalm, “In the LORD I take refuge” (Psalm 11:1).

By God’s grace, that steadfast response is ours as well. It’s where we live and breathe every day as Christians. Even when we’re tempted to throw up our hands helplessly, fearfully, and say, “What else can we do but flee from our spiritual enemies? Our foundation is crumbling!” Especially then.

In all things, we take refuge in the Lord—we run to the loving and gracious God who proclaims his saving name to us in the pages of his Word, the almighty God who delivers his people from all our enemies with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm.

Dear Christian, no matter what we’re experiencing, facing, struggling with, or going through, we can always turn to the Lord. He sees us. He knows us. He forgives us. He loves us. He calls us his own. We know that beyond a shadow of a doubt. That’s what he promises in his Word.

“The LORD is righteous, he loves justice; the upright will see his face” (Psalm 11:7).

No matter what happens in life, we will see God’s face. That’s sure and certain. Not because we’re so upright and righteous, but all because of Jesus, who has made us upright and righteous in him. He is the foundation for everything we do, and everything we are as God’s children.

What can the righteous do?

In the Lord we take refuge.

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