God is In Control

Commentary

David said he had put his trust in the Lord even though he was urged to flee as a bird who doesn’t find a refuge except in flying (v. 1). He is referring to the malicious stories and poisonous suggestions men were reporting on him to his father-in-law, King Saul, who was already resentful and jealous of the people’s admiration of David (v. 2). David cried “If the foundations be destroyed what can the righteous do” (v. 3)? The foundations (which means the settled order of things) being destroyed opens the reigning of man’s sin. However, no matter what the problem, God is always sufficient.

If the foundations are destroyed, lay the foundations again. That is what Ezra did (Ezra 3:8) and what each new generation may have to do. David became king of Israel and laid the foundations for a godly society. After all, God is still on His throne (v. 4) and will one day judge the wicked (vv. 5-6). We see that the wicked are entangled in their own wickedness and will not escape the judgment of God (v. 6). However, the final reward of the righteous will be to look upon the lovely face of our Lord. Our righteous God loves right living (v. 7). When the foundations seem to be destroyed and we wish we could hide, we need to remember that God is still in control. His power is not diminished by any earthly events that may be a surprise to us. Nothing happens without His knowledge and permission.

Application

Do our present circumstances seem dark? Like the song writer wrote, we can sing, “We have a hope that will surely endure, after the passing of time!” Just as David did, I can trust God for the present as well as for the future. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”