A New Reason to Panic?

Categories: Devotional,Psalms

In troubled times King David once asked God for some practical solutions. In Psalm 11 he asks the LORD, “When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?”

On Monday, April 15, at 2:50 EDT, the explosion at the finish line of the Boston Marathon triggered perhaps another flash — the end to our illusion of stability and normalcy, again.

The American people are now asking some king-sized questions. Can we have an effective defense in a violent world that lives among us? And when not, will we see justice?

… no matter what was happening around David he had no ultimate reason to panic. God was on the throne.

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

What can we do when the underpinnings of our social order explode, when stability is blown away, and respect for life is spent?

What can the righteous do? Panic? Stay away from crowds? Trust no one? “Escape like a bird!” (Psalm 11:1).

David’s advisors told him to do just that, but he was not one to run or panic.

Why? David said he wouldn’t, “Because the Lord is on his heavenly throne. He observes the sons of men; his eyes examine them. The LORD examines the righteous, but the wicked and those who love violence his soul hates” (Psalm 11:4-5).

Whatever national trouble or personal danger David found himself in he knew that in heaven there was no panic.

Since there is no panic in heaven and since David was called to resemble his heavenly father, then no matter what was happening around David he had no ultimate reason to panic. God was on the throne.

So for us, too, even though our legs may not be secure, even though our safety is not sure, and even though the foundations are being destroyed,

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

Now that’s something to Celebrate!

Author: Toby Larson

Toby Larson leads Celebration International. He is a husband and father of 5. Whether he's teaching, hitting tennis balls, sailing a Hobie, serving in Asia, skiing on water or snow, Toby is passionate about the love of God and the love of life. Read more ...