by Holly Newton

In the Lord I take refuge, How then can you say to me: ‘Flee like a bird to your mountain. For look, the wicked bend their bows; they set their arrows against the strings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart. 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. He observes the sons of me; His eyes examine them.

Psalm 11:1-4

David had to flee for safety several times in his life. Being God’s anointed king didn’t make him immune to injustice and pursuit of his enemies. In Psalm 11, we see that David was in a crisis. He seems to be speaking to those who are advising him to run from his enemies.

Here we see that David’s faith contrasted dramatically with the fear of the advisers who were telling him to flee. The size of the enemy and the problem was their focus, the strength and power of God was David’s focus.

Verse 3 refers to foundations being destroyed. Here, the word foundation means social order. Social order was being shaken, and David was advised to run away and hide in the mountains. If David were to leave, it would have been safer for him, but the social order would have collapsed. Instead of running, David took a stand and stayed put, honored God, and did what was best for the people amid distress and danger. He knew God was greater than anything his enemies could bring against him.

Faith in God helps us resist fear and keeps us from losing hope.

If we only look at what is going on around us, life can feel out of control, and fear can set in. But we have to remember we have never been in control in the first place. The foundations of the world begin and end with God. He has a plan. He is still governing. And He is still ruling.

Any turn of events does not diminish God’s power. Nothing is outside of His reach. Even in the most challenging times in your life, you can experience the intimate presence of God. These moments we’re living in can be used for our good by God and are an opportunity to grow in an even greater understanding of God’s love, strength, and peace.

Holly Newton is Founder of She Lives Fearless. She’s a Texas native who has enjoyed living in Nashville and now Orlando. Besides running the SLF ministry, she is an Author, Speaker, TV and Radio segment speaker, and Podcast Host of the SLF Podcast. Married 32 years to Mark, and Gigi to seven Grands.