Happy Independence Day!

Today, all across our nation, celebrations will take place as we remember the birth of America. It might seem like we’re a “grown-up” nation, but 248 years isn’t really all that old when you compare it to other nations. That makes it even more amazing when you consider the position of power and responsibility the United States holds on the world stage.

I believe what I was taught in history class. Our nation was founded on biblical principles. The Pilgrims risked their lives to leave their homes and families behind in hopes of establishing a new life where they could worship God freely. Our constitution and original bylaws, as well as the Declaration of Independence, were written by men who believed in God and while they may not have been passionate followers of Jesus, they did recognize the Creator’s authority over men and built our nation on the foundation of absolute truth as written in God’s Word.

America rose to greatness and prosperity because God’s hand of blessing was upon our nation. And today we are seeing that hand of blessing withdrawn as so many people reject God and turn to wicked and evil behaviors. We have told God to “get out of our business” and He is obliging us.

Psalm 11:3 asks a pertinent question: If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?

Thankfully, the rest of this little psalm gives us the answer. Let’s look at the whole psalm first.

1 In the Lord I take refuge; how can you say to my soul, “Flee as a bird to your mountain;
² For, behold, the wicked bend the bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string to shoot in darkness 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 and the wicked, and the one who loves violence His soul hates.
⁶ Upon the wicked He will rain snares; fire and brimstone and burning wind will be the portion of their cup.
⁷ For the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness; the upright will behold His face.

Here are three things we need to remember when we see the foundations of our nation crumbling.

#1 – We take refuge in God (verses 1-2).

“Refuge” is the Hebrew phrase ḥāsâ, also translated to “put my trust in” (KJV). It means to flee for protection, to confide or hope in. Whether it’s the foundations of our nation that are crumbling, or our personal lives that are in disarray, we don’t panic or throw up our hands in despair. We put our trust in God, both literally and figuratively.

How do we do this?

We trust His Word. We find refuge and comfort in its truth. As we read of past prophecies now fulfilled, we gain confidence that the promises yet to come will be faithfully carried out according to God’s good plans. We also find refuge in prayer and worship that calms our hearts and focuses our thoughts not on this world, but on God’s kingdom, where our citizenship is anchored by the blood of Jesus.

#2 – We remember God is on His throne, ruling from heaven (verse 4).

God has not abandoned us. He sees us and He is still on the throne. He sets up kings (and all governments) and He will remove them according to His plans and purposes. He sees the thoughts and intents of the hearts and minds of all men. He rules with justice and wisdom, and nothing escapes His notice.

#3 – We acknowledge that God alone is the Righteous Judge (verses 5-7).

Oh, how easy it is to voice our opinions and cast judgment on others. We assume we know who is good, who is evil, who is right, who is wrong. And yes, we have scripture to help us in wisdom and discernment, and the Holy Spirit within us to guide us into truth. We can speak with authority from God’s Word but let us remember that we cannot see into hearts, and it is not our job to judge.

Only God is the Righteous Judge. In the end, all our works will be examined by the One who sees and knows all we have done, said, or thought. We will give account to our Creator. Knowing this, we can trust His timing and leave the judging to Him.

Jan Markell often says, “It’s not falling apart, it’s falling into place.” When things look dim or hopeless, it is just a reminder not to put our faith in politicians or our hope in temporal things. As followers of Jesus, we are citizens of a spiritual kingdom. One day, hopefully soon, God will call all His ambassadors back to the home office and set the final clock ticking on the history of our world. Until then, let us take refuge in God, and remember the Righteous Judge is still on the throne.