In Psalm 11, David demonstrates some time-tested truths that can help us in our present challenges.

This Psalm was written after David had been advised to flee a difficult situation. In this dark time of history, the king had ordered 85 priests and a whole town of men, women, children, and animals be exterminated because they helped David (1 Samuel 22).

Evil has always existed in this world, and is certainly present in our time. We are often tempted to run — flee to a mountain of discouragement, fear, or anxiety. But David’s advice was this: “Don’t run.” We can turn to God’s Word (the Bible) for refuge during difficult and challenging times. (“In the LORD I take refuge.” —Psalm 91:2) “I will say of the LORD he is my refuge and my fortress. My God in whom I trust.”

The Biblical foundations of America are under attack. There are those who would openly attack us (or our loved ones) because of our Biblical worldview. There are also hidden enemies who attack from obscurity. The Apostle Paul wrote, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the power of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12).

Founder John Adams wrote: “We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Avarice, ambition, revenge, or gallantry, would break the strongest cords of our Constitution as a whale goes through a net. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”

His cousin Samuel Adams added, “Religion and good morals are the only solid foundation of public liberty and happiness.”

What do we do when God’s timeless word is undermined? When there is no respect for our Creator? When family values are crumbling and evil is glorified? What do the righteous do? We look up to Heaven. The LORD is in His Holy Temple. We often hear people say, “Follow the science.” Thank God for scientists, but their information can change. We can rest assured that God never changes (see Malachi 3:6, Hebrews 13:8, and James 1:17). His address has not changed!

The LORD is on His Heavenly Throne. From Heaven He observes, “The eyes of the LORD are everywhere keeping watch on the wicked and the good” (Proverbs 15:3). From His Heavenly Throne He examines, “The eyes of the LORD roam through out the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him” (2 Chronicles 16:9). When our hearts are committed, our Heavenly Father watches over us, examines us, and provides us strength for our journey.

To face the battle of darkness, focus on Jesus — “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus” (Hebrews 12:2). There is a bright future for God’s people. Also, we can “pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Prayer is not something you do. It is someone you are with. Pray wherever you are because there is power in prayer. James 5:16 states, “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”

The big question is: What can the righteous do? (Psalm 11:3.) First, we keep on doing what’s right. Second, we don’t run from difficult situations. Third, we remember that God is in His holy temple. God is the moral standard and without Him and His guidance we are hopeless. “The LORD is righteous. He loves justice. The upright man will see his face” (Psalm 11:7).

(Jim Lee is one of two Patriot Post chaplains, both committed to our mission and offering faithful support to our editors and staff.)