Psalm 11:3 asks a question many of us have felt in our hearts: “If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” In simple words, it means: What do we do when the things we counted on begin to fall apart?
Sometimes the foundations of life seem to crumble around us. It may happen in a family, a church, a community, a nation, or even inside our own hearts. Truth feels weak. Justice feels delayed. People we trusted may disappoint us. Things that once felt steady can suddenly feel uncertain.
David understood that feeling. In Psalm 11, he was surrounded by danger. The wicked were ready to attack the upright in heart. It looked like evil was winning, and it may have felt easier to run, hide, or give up.
But David chose to look higher than the trouble around him. He remembered that “the LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD’s throne is in heaven.” That means God was still present, still watching, and still ruling. Earthly foundations may shake, but God’s throne does not shake.
Psalm 89:14 reminds us that “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Mercy and truth go before You.” This gives us comfort. God’s rule is not built on confusion, lies, fear, or injustice. His throne rests on righteousness and justice. Mercy and truth go before Him. When everything around us feels unstable, God Himself remains our sure foundation.
What Can the Righteous Do?
First, we can trust God. Trust does not mean we pretend everything is fine. It means we bring our fear, confusion, and pain to the Lord and say, “God, I do not understand everything, but I know You are still on the throne.”
Second, we can keep doing what is right. When others choose lies, we can choose truth. When others choose anger, we can choose peace. When others treat people unfairly, we can choose justice and mercy. We may not be able to fix everything at once, but we can refuse to become part of what is broken.
Third, we can pray honestly. We do not have to use perfect words. We can simply say, “Lord, help me. Strengthen me. Show me what is right. Keep my heart close to You.” Prayer reminds us that we are not carrying the weight alone.
Fourth, we can help rebuild. We rebuild when we forgive, when we tell the truth, when we care for the hurting, when we stand up for what is right, and when we keep loving even when the world feels hard. Small acts of faithfulness matter to God.
Psalm 11:7 says, “For the LORD is righteous, He loves righteousness; the upright will see His face.” That means our faithfulness is not wasted. God sees the person who keeps choosing what is right, even when it is difficult. He sees the quiet prayers, the private tears, and the steady obedience.
Simple Answer
So when the foundations are crumbling, we do not have to lose hope. We can hold on to God, pray with honest hearts, keep doing what is right, and rebuild with truth, mercy, righteousness, and justice. The world may shake, but the Lord remains steady. He is the foundation that cannot be destroyed.
Minister A Francine Green, August 2026