SCRIPTURE: 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?” The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord is on his heavenly throne. He observes everyone on earth; his eyes examine them. Psalm 11:1-4 NIV
QUOTE: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” 1st Article, Bill of Rights of the Constitution of the United States
THOUGHT: When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do? It’s a very good question; one that has haunted me for months now as I’ve watched what I thought could never happen come to pass. Freedom of religion and peaceful assembly questioned while rioting in the streets goes unanswered, freedom of conservative voices squelched, press who disagree with current narrative cut off economically and minimized or bullied, the courts unable or unwilling to fight for the Constitution. There is a strong temptation to wring my hands and sigh, oh, what can I do, and an even stronger temptation to try to run for the hills.
But in the Psalmists’ whole thought, I see not an invitation to self-pity or apathy, but a powerful call to public faith. David questions those who would speak of fleeing, trying to obtain safety by hiding anywhere but in the refuge God provides. In the Lord I take refuge, he boldly pushes back, don’t even try to tempt me to flee when the arrows are flying and foundations are crumbling. The Lord is on his throne!
SONG: Surrounded (Fight My Battles) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pz7578ZNwNU
PRAYER: Great refuge, great rock of ages, we come to you for protection. Not in ourselves or our own wits or devices do we trust. Even now, in our hour of national Constitutional crisis, help us put on your armor and stand, speaking from that position of strength.
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Blogger Amy Clemens is the author of Walking When You’d Rather Fly: Meditations on Faith After the Fall. In it she explores childhood sexual abuse and how it impacted her faith (or lack thereof) for four decades. You’ll find not only her story, but better yet, the Big Story of God.
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