In the Lord I take refuge.
How then can you say to me:
‘Flee like a bird to your mountain. For look, the wicked bend their bows; they set their arrows against the strings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart.
When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?’
Psalm 11:1-3
In these days of violence and thuggery, the world truly is becoming a dangerous place.
Watching the news of happenings around the world, we see rioting and looting on the streets. It's not too far from home either, just look at the events surrounding the football final.
The very foundations of right and wrong are being destroyed.
The Psalm says it right - what can we do?
It makes us feel like giving up and running away to some hideaway in the mountains!
One of my favourite YouTubers is a Canadian guy who has chosen to build an off grid home in the forests of northern Ontario, faraway from modern life. He shares his expert carpentry exploits, felling trees and carving out a homestead weekly on YouTube. It looks idyllic.
Yet should we, as believers in Jesus, give up the fight for Godly values in the face of such opposition?
The Bible makes it clear that at such times we are called to "stand our ground" and not give in to the threatening voice of the enemy.
It doesn't mean being obstinate and stubbornly entrenched, not trying to see someone else's point of view. But it does mean not budging from the basics of our faith in Jesus.
As hard as it seems, we have to realise the real enemy is not our fellow humans, but Satan who is pulling the strings, inciting hatred and enmity between us. He wants us to focus on a person or an ethnic group as the problem in the world.
We have to be on our guard, wise to his subtle attacks.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Ephesians 6:12-13
The evil days are upon us, so stand firm, don't compromise.
Be assured, God is still in charge!
Part 2 of Psalm 11 ends like this:
4 The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord is on his heavenly throne. He observes everyone on earth; his eyes examine them. 5 The Lord examines the righteous, but the wicked, those who love violence, he hates with a passion. 6 On the wicked he will rain fiery coals and burning sulphur; a scorching wind will be their lot.
7 For the Lord is righteous, he loves justice; the upright will see his face.
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