Finding Confidence in God During Times of Chaos
Understanding Psalm 11:3 in Everyday Language
Have you ever looked around and wondered what’s happening in the world? Maybe it feels like everything that’s supposed to keep society upright—laws, justice, basic decency—is falling apart. That’s what Psalm 11:3 is about. In plain terms, it asks: “If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” The foundations here aren’t just bricks and mortar—they’re the rules, morals, and principles that make society safe and stable.
The Setting: Advice in Times of Danger
The psalm starts with David’s friends telling him to run for his life because evil people are targeting those who try to do what’s right. They’re basically saying, “If things get this bad, the only option is to escape.” Their advice comes from a place of fear and uncertainty—they see danger and think the only solution is to get out.
The Problem: When Good People Feel Helpless
David’s friends are worried that when evil takes over and the moral ‘foundations’ of society are being undermined, good people don’t stand a chance. If truth, justice, and honesty are no longer valued, what hope is left for those trying to live right? It’s a feeling many people experience when they see corruption, injustice, and chaos in the world around them.
What Does “Foundations” Mean?
· Law and Order: The basic systems and rules that keep society fair and safe.
· Morality: Shared values like honesty, kindness, and respect.
· Institutions: Things like courts, governments, and churches that help maintain stability.
When these foundations are “destroyed,” it feels like everything is unstable, and evil seems to be on the rise.
The Despairing Question: What Should Good People Do?
Psalm 11:3 raises a tough question: “What can the righteous do?” It’s a moment of despair, asking whether there’s anything left for good people to rely on when society’s core values are gone. It’s easy to feel stuck or helpless in such times.
The Shift: From Despair to Confidence
But here’s where Psalm 11 takes a turn. Instead of staying in despair, David looks beyond the chaos to God. The following verses declare that God is still on His throne—He hasn’t abandoned the world. God sees what’s happening, knows who’s doing what, and will ultimately bring justice.
What’s the Takeaway?
1. Don’t Give In to Fear: While it’s natural to feel worried when things seem to be falling apart, the psalm encourages us not to let fear control us.
2. Trust God’s Authority: Even when human laws and morals are shaky, God’s presence and justice remain unshaken.
3. Stay Where You’re Needed: The righteous shouldn’t always withdraw or run away. Sometimes, their presence is what’s needed to stand up against evil and help rebuild what’s lost.
4. Hold On to Hope: God sees all, tests hearts, and will ultimately judge the wicked. Our hope isn’t in perfect human systems, but in God’s unchanging goodness.
Encouragement for Today
If you feel discouraged by what’s happening around you, remember the lesson of Psalm 11. Despair isn’t the end of the story. While it might seem like society’s foundations are collapsing, God remains the ultimate foundation—He’s still in control, still just, and still trustworthy. Our calling as “the righteous” is to lean on Him, do what’s right, and trust that justice will prevail, even if it’s not immediate.
Final Thoughts
Psalm 11:3 gives voice to the fear and confusion people feel when the world seems upside down. But the psalm doesn’t stop there—it points us to a deeper confidence in God’s power and justice. When everything else fails, faith in God is what holds us steady.
Minister A Francine Green
October 2025
afrancinegreen.com 