Counsel of desperate despair ∙∙
If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do? – Psalms 11:3
Psalms 17:3-15
3 You have tested my thoughts and examined my heart in the night. You have scrutinized me and found nothing wrong. I am determined not to sin in what I say.
4 I have followed your commands, which keep me from following cruel and evil people.
5 My steps have stayed on your path; I have not wavered from following you.
6 I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray.
7 Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways. By your mighty power, you rescue those who seek refuge from their enemies.
8 Guard me as you would guard your own eyes. Hide me in the shadow of your wings.
15 Because I am righteous, I will see you. When I awake, I will see you face to face and be satisfied.
Legend has it that Rome was founded in 753 B.C. by Romulus and Remus, the twin sons of Mars, the god of war. Romulus became Rome’s first king. Later, in 27 B.C., Augustus took the reins as the first emperor, ushering in the Pax Romana, a period of two centuries marked by peace and prosperity, during which the Roman Empire thrived.
However, the empire eventually crumbled under the weight of its own excesses and corruption. As it grew bloated, Rome struggled to maintain control over its territories, which gradually slipped away. In September 476 A.D., a decisive defeat at the hands of a Germanic prince named Odovacar in Italy led to the end of the empire’s illustrious legacy.
Historians still debate the reasons behind Rome’s downfall. Key factors include barbarian invasions, economic woes, overexpansion, military overspending, government corruption, political instability, a loss of traditional values, the division of the empire into East and West, and a weakened Roman military. The foundations of Rome eroded, leading to its ultimate demise.
David, the king of Israel, faced similar chaos. The foundational principles of Mosaic law and justice were being eroded (Psalm 11:3). When societal foundations collapse, chaos and lawlessness often regrettably follow. The FRCL translation captures this breakdown: “The standards of the society are in ruins” (UBS).
The Hebrew term haras, translated as “destroyed” or “collapsed,” signifies destruction or irreversible damage, similar to the obliteration of the Egyptian forces at the Red Sea (Exodus 15:7). Such devastation is often described as horrific, appalling, or loathsome.
REFLECT & PRAY
During challenging times, David’s closest advisors and friends tempted him to doubt. He had to choose between flight or faith. He chose faith.
Father, You dwarf all adverse circumstances and provide each child of the King the opportunity to navigate these challenges with Him by their side, whether in spirit or even in a tangible presence (as seen in Matthew 28:20 and Daniel 3). With this promise, fear and retreat lose their power.
INSIGHT
David had known God intimately since he was a young boy. They weren’t just friends; they were buddies. God was with David during those solitary nights as he tended his sheep, listening and responding to his prayers with gentle, loving whispers. The Father saw this faithful child develop the confidence to survive all testing until the incident with Bathsheba.
The Father saw this faithful child develop the confidence to survive all testing until Bathsheba.
Psalms 11:1 I trust in the LORD for protection. So why do you say to me, Fly like a bird to the mountains for safety!
The same was not true of his advisors. They were overwhelmed by the looming threat. They saw only the gathering storm, not the One who could calm it. Today, we rely on Doppler radar to warn us of severe weather, prompting evacuations in the face of hurricanes or coming tornadoes. As far as David’s fainthearted counselors were concerned, a man-made hurricane was coming. The situation was hopeless. The Nation of Israel was doomed. They strongly urged him to evacuate, flee, and save himself. “Fly like a bird to the mountains for safety!”
David found their panic perplexing. He was puzzled. Did they not know who he was, or more importantly, who the Father was? They should have known about David’s unwavering faith and trust in the Father’s protection. Confident that God could handle the situation, David saw no reason to fear or flee. He dismissed their well-intentioned yet misguided advice, resolute in his decision to stand firm no matter what.
David responded with what Kidner describes as “a spirited retort to some demoralizing advice,” essentially asking, “How can you say such a thing?” No doubt, he thought something like, “These challenges are tough but not insurmountable. I’ve faced worse before, and God has always seen me through. This, too, shall pass.”
Psalms 11:3 The foundations of law and order have collapsed. What can the righteous do?”
Psalms 11:4-7
4 But the LORD is in his holy Temple; the LORD still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth.
5 The LORD examines both the righteous and the wicked. He hates those who love violence.
7 For the righteous LORD loves justice. The virtuous will see his face.
David brushes them aside, confidently dismissing their concerns. His faith gave him assurance regarding things he could not see with his eyes. Reflecting inwardly, he poses a question: “Where is the Father right now?” He answers, affirming that the Father is enthroned in heaven, observing the unfolding events of history.
Psalms 2:4 But the one who rules in heaven laughs. The Lord scoffs at them.
The Father watches over both the righteous and the wicked, ready to intervene in the world and enter into the time-space continuum at any moment. The Scriptures are replete with examples of Him doing precisely that, such as parting the Red Sea, toppling Jericho, and protecting in the fiery furnace. With the Father eternally enthroned in heaven, there is little cause for worry. Amidst the seeming disorder of the world, David remains steadfast in his trust in the Father. Through his unwavering stance, David exemplifies the way of faith for all children of the King.
Psalms 11:2-3
2 The wicked are stringing their bows and fitting their arrows on the bowstrings. They shoot from the shadows at those whose hearts are right.
3 The foundations of law and order have collapsed.
This sounds eerily familiar to recurring events of the 21st century, serving as a wake-up call. Without a firm foundation, how can Western Civilization stand?
¯\_(ツ)_/¯3-5-1
© Dr. H 2024
Dr H Reflections 