August 1, 2025 • 10 mins
Flee or Stand Firm? How to Trust God When Life Collapses (Psalm 11)
When fear rises and everything around you seems to fall apart, what should you do? In this episode on Psalm 11, we explore how to take refuge not in escape but in the unshakable reign of God, discovering how to stand firm when life’s foundations give way.
Episode Highlights
- Why David refuses fear-based escape and instead clings to God’s sovereignty
- How Psalm 11 addresses personal anxiety and cultural collapse
- What it means to take refuge in God when the world feels unsafe
- The promise that God sees, tests, and vindicates His people
- Why delay in justice is not denial of justice
- What it means that the upright will one day “behold His face”
- How to cultivate moral courage and endurance in times of pressure
Resources and Next Steps
- Join the free Navigator Level of the Lessons for Life Community: https://jameslongjr.org/community
- Explore full membership and coaching options: https://jameslongjr.org/signupnow
- Download devotionals, attend live meetups, and access biblical life training to grow emotionally, relationally, and spiritually.
ABOUT JAMES and LESSONS FOR LIFE
Are you seeking hope, wisdom, and practical solutions to life’s challenges? Dr. James Long, Jr., pastor, counselor, and professor with over 30 years of experience, helps people discover God’s solutions to emotional, relational, and spiritual challenges. Each episode of Lessons for Life points you to the peace and freedom found in Jesus Christ.
Resources and Next Steps
- Join the free Navigator Level of the Lessons for Life Community: https://jameslongjr.org/community
- Explore full membership and coaching options: https://jameslongjr.org/signupnow
Listen and Subscribe: Find Lessons for Life with James Long, Jr., wherever you listen to podcasts
Connect
- Instagram: https://jameslongjr.org/instagram
- Facebook: https://jameslongjr.org/facebook
- YouTube: https://jameslongjr.org/youtube
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome to Counseling Through the Psalms with James
Long Jr, a special series fromLessons for Life.
I'm James, and in each episodewe will journey into the rich,
honest and healing language ofthe Psalms to find hope, clarity
and comfort for life's deepeststruggles.
Whether you're wrestling withanxiety, grief, anger or
(00:21):
spiritual dryness, the Psalmsoffer us a path towards
restoration and peace throughGod's Word.
So, wherever you are right now,take a deep breath and let's
enter into the heart ofScripture together.
Back everyone.
It's James Long.
Do me a favor and grab yourBible and a journal, and we are
going to be turning to Psalm 11.
(00:42):
Psalm 11 is where we are goingto begin our journey here today.
Psalm 11 offers hope andstability for those facing fear,
injustice and collapse ofsocietal or personal security.
In a world where foundationsare shaking, this psalm calls us
to take refuge not in escape,but in the unshakable
(01:04):
sovereignty of God.
Well, let's begin with thissection, when escape feels
easier than endurance.
Have you ever felt like runningaway from the stress, the
pressure or the injustice that'sall around you?
Perhaps the fears are personal,rooted in the chaos of your
life circumstances, or maybeit's the anxieties that are
(01:24):
cultural, as you see the moraland spiritual foundations of
society rapidly eroding.
Psalm 11 speaks directly tothat heart cry.
David opens up the psalm with adefiant confession of trust In
the Lord I take refuge verse 1.
Yet immediately he's confrontedby voices urging him to flee
(01:44):
like a bird to the mountains.
These are not enemies mockinghis faith, but well-meaning
friends urging self-preservation.
Their logic is simple thewicked are armed and aiming from
the shadows, and thefoundations of law, morality and
justice are being destroyed.
What can the righteous do?
Verse 3.
That question still echoestoday.
(02:05):
What can you do when everythingthat once felt stable begins to
collapse, when evil flourishes,when truth is scorned, when
injustice goes unpunished?
The psalm invites us toconsider not only where we go
when we're afraid, but in whomto take refuge.
The Lord is still on the throne.
Rather than answering withdespair, david lifts his eyes
(02:28):
above the chaos.
The Lord is in his holy temple.
The Lord's throne is in heavenVerse four.
In times of upheaval, ourinstinct is often to fix our
eyes on the threat, but Davidredirects his gaze to the
transcendent reign of God.
His sovereignty is not distant,but deeply engaged.
His eyes see, his eyelids testthe children of man.
(02:52):
This is not poetic detachment,it's pastoral wisdom.
When you are tempted to spiralinto anxiety or
self-preservation, remember thatGod's throne is not vacant.
He sees, he evaluates, he rules.
And while his judgments may notcome immediately, they are
never unjust or delayed in vain.
(03:13):
For the one who's sufferingfrom anxiety, this verse is not
just doctrine, it's oxygen.
God is not blind to your painor distracted by world events.
He is the God who sees, testsand ultimately delivers, even
when it feels like your world isunraveling.
Heaven is not in chaos.
(03:33):
God's justice will not sleep.
David does not deny theseverity of the threat.
The wicked do bend their bowsand aim their arrows in secret
Verse 2.
Yet the wicked do bend theirbows and aim their arrows in
secret Verse 2.
Evil often operates under thecover of darkness, whether it's
systemic oppression,manipulative relationships or
cultural lies that distort.
(03:54):
But this psalm turns to asobering reality.
The wicked will not prevail.
The Lord tests the righteous,but his soul hates the wicked
and the one who loves violenceVerse 5.
In biblical terms, testing isnot cruelty, it's refinement.
God tests his people not todestroy them, but to deepen and
(04:16):
purify their trust.
But for the wicked those whoreject God's rule and harm
others with deceit, violence orpride?
The testing leads to judgment.
Violence or pride?
The testing leads to judgment.
Let him rain coal on the wickedfire, and sulfur and scorching
wind shall be the portion oftheir cup Verse 6.
(04:38):
This is not vindictive rage buta righteous retribution.
The imagery recalls Sodom andreminds us that God's justice,
though delayed, is never denied.
You may feel today like evil iswinning, but Psalm 11 assures
us God is neither asleep norpassive.
His justice may not come inyour timetable, but it will come
in his.
The righteous shall see hisface.
The psalm closes with thisquiet, radiant promise.
(05:01):
For the Lord is righteous, heloves righteous deeds.
The upright shall behold hisface, verse 7.
That one phrase behold his faceis the heartbeat of hope
offered here In Hebrew.
Thought to see God's face wasthe ultimate blessing.
We see that in Numbers 6.25.
It is our future hope and ourpresent anchor In a world of
(05:25):
deception and violence.
God is righteous In a culturethat prizes power over purity.
God delights in uprightness,and for those who delight in Him
not fleeing in fear butstanding firm in faith there is
an inheritance greater than anyearthly safety the glory of God
Himself.
(05:45):
Well, let's look at thedoctrinal insights that we find
from Psalm 11.
First, we see sovereignty Evenin chaos, god reigns from his
heavenly throne verse 4.
Second, we see divine justice.
God will ultimately judge thewicked and vindicate the
righteous verses 5 through 6.
Then we see human testing.
Trials are used by God torefine and prove his people
(06:09):
verse 5.
Next, we see the hope of glory.
The faithful are promised theeternal joy of seeing God's face
verse 7.
And finally, we see moralclarity.
God does not tolerate violenceor wickedness.
His holiness demands justice.
So now let's take all of thatdoctrine and let's make it
(06:32):
practical, practical theologyfor the struggling soul.
If you're walking through fear,injustice or deep cultural
discouragement, let these truthsshape your heart.
When you feel like running, askwhether it's out of fear or in
faith.
God may call you to stay andstand.
When you feel like evil iswinning.
(06:53):
Remember that delay is notdenial.
God's justice is certain.
When society crumbles orinstitutions fail, rest in the
truth that God's throne is stillsecure.
When you feel exposed, rememberthat the God who tests you also
covers and refines you.
When darkness seems to obscureeverything good, fix your hope
(07:18):
on the promise that one day youwill see his face.
Let's reflect and respond?
Remember you could use yourjournal here.
Stop the podcast if you need to.
Number one when have you beentempted to flee or disengage
because of fears or injustice?
Number two what foundations inyour life or culture feel like
(07:41):
they're crumbling?
Number three how does the imageof God reigning from his throne
reshape your perspective?
Number four in what ways mightGod be testing and refining your
faith in this season?
Number five how can you respondto fear?
(08:05):
Not with escape, but with faith.
Respond to fear, not withescape, but with faith.
Number six what are the placeswhere you need to speak truth or
act justly, even at personalrisk?
And number seven what does itlook like for you to live with
(08:27):
the hope of beholding his facetoday?
Well, let's pray.
Father, thank you for revealingyourself through the power of
your word.
Lord Jesus, thank you for beingthe fulfillment of every
promise and the anchor for everystorm.
Holy Spirit, guide us intodeeper trust, lasting peace and
transforming hope.
Teach us to walk in the truthof this psalm today.
(08:48):
In Christ's name, we pray Amen.
Are you afraid today?
Are you tempted to give in orgive up?
Psalm 11 reminds you thatyou're not without a refuge.
You are not forgotten.
You are not at the mercy of thewicked.
If you want to learn more aboutus, join our free navigator
(09:08):
level of Lessons for Lifecommunity at jameslongjrorg
slash community for devotionals,meetups and training that will
help you walk by faith, orexplore one of our full
memberships at jameslongjrorgslash.
Sign up now for deeper coachingand content designed to help
(09:32):
you grow in emotional,relational and spiritual wisdom.
Remember this you are notabandoned.
You are upheld by the God,whose throne cannot be shaken
Until next time.
Be blessed, take care.
Welcome to Counseling Through the Psalms with James
Long Jr, a special series fromLessons for Life.
I'm James, and in each episodewe will journey into the rich,
honest and healing language ofthe Psalms to find hope, clarity
and comfort for life's deepeststruggles.
Whether you're wrestling withanxiety, grief, anger or
(00:21):
spiritual dryness, the Psalmsoffer us a path towards
restoration and peace throughGod's Word.
So, wherever you are right now,take a deep breath and let's
enter into the heart ofScripture together.
Back everyone.
It's James Long.
Do me a favor and grab yourBible and a journal, and we are
going to be turning to Psalm 11.
(00:42):
Psalm 11 is where we are goingto begin our journey here today.
Psalm 11 offers hope andstability for those facing fear,
injustice and collapse ofsocietal or personal security.
In a world where foundationsare shaking, this psalm calls us
to take refuge not in escape,but in the unshakable
(01:04):
sovereignty of God.
Well, let's begin with thissection, when escape feels
easier than endurance.
Have you ever felt like runningaway from the stress, the
pressure or the injustice that'sall around you?
Perhaps the fears are personal,rooted in the chaos of your
life circumstances, or maybeit's the anxieties that are
(01:24):
cultural, as you see the moraland spiritual foundations of
society rapidly eroding.
Psalm 11 speaks directly tothat heart cry.
David opens up the psalm with adefiant confession of trust In
the Lord I take refuge verse 1.
Yet immediately he's confrontedby voices urging him to flee
(01:44):
like a bird to the mountains.
These are not enemies mockinghis faith, but well-meaning
friends urging self-preservation.
Their logic is simple thewicked are armed and aiming from
the shadows, and thefoundations of law, morality and
justice are being destroyed.
What can the righteous do?
Verse 3.
That question still echoestoday.
(02:05):
What can you do when everythingthat once felt stable begins to
collapse, when evil flourishes,when truth is scorned, when
injustice goes unpunished?
The psalm invites us toconsider not only where we go
when we're afraid, but in whomto take refuge.
The Lord is still on the throne.
Rather than answering withdespair, david lifts his eyes
(02:28):
above the chaos.
The Lord is in his holy temple.
The Lord's throne is in heavenVerse four.
In times of upheaval, ourinstinct is often to fix our
eyes on the threat, but Davidredirects his gaze to the
transcendent reign of God.
His sovereignty is not distant,but deeply engaged.
His eyes see, his eyelids testthe children of man.
(02:52):
This is not poetic detachment,it's pastoral wisdom.
When you are tempted to spiralinto anxiety or
self-preservation, remember thatGod's throne is not vacant.
He sees, he evaluates, he rules.
And while his judgments may notcome immediately, they are
never unjust or delayed in vain.
(03:13):
For the one who's sufferingfrom anxiety, this verse is not
just doctrine, it's oxygen.
God is not blind to your painor distracted by world events.
He is the God who sees, testsand ultimately delivers, even
when it feels like your world isunraveling.
Heaven is not in chaos.
(03:33):
God's justice will not sleep.
David does not deny theseverity of the threat.
The wicked do bend their bowsand aim their arrows in secret
Verse 2.
Yet the wicked do bend theirbows and aim their arrows in
secret Verse 2.
Evil often operates under thecover of darkness, whether it's
systemic oppression,manipulative relationships or
cultural lies that distort.
(03:54):
But this psalm turns to asobering reality.
The wicked will not prevail.
The Lord tests the righteous,but his soul hates the wicked
and the one who loves violenceVerse 5.
In biblical terms, testing isnot cruelty, it's refinement.
God tests his people not todestroy them, but to deepen and
(04:16):
purify their trust.
But for the wicked those whoreject God's rule and harm
others with deceit, violence orpride?
The testing leads to judgment.
Violence or pride?
The testing leads to judgment.
Let him rain coal on the wickedfire, and sulfur and scorching
wind shall be the portion oftheir cup Verse 6.
(04:38):
This is not vindictive rage buta righteous retribution.
The imagery recalls Sodom andreminds us that God's justice,
though delayed, is never denied.
You may feel today like evil iswinning, but Psalm 11 assures
us God is neither asleep norpassive.
His justice may not come inyour timetable, but it will come
in his.
The righteous shall see hisface.
The psalm closes with thisquiet, radiant promise.
(05:01):
For the Lord is righteous, heloves righteous deeds.
The upright shall behold hisface, verse 7.
That one phrase behold his faceis the heartbeat of hope
offered here In Hebrew.
Thought to see God's face wasthe ultimate blessing.
We see that in Numbers 6.25.
It is our future hope and ourpresent anchor In a world of
(05:25):
deception and violence.
God is righteous In a culturethat prizes power over purity.
God delights in uprightness,and for those who delight in Him
not fleeing in fear butstanding firm in faith there is
an inheritance greater than anyearthly safety the glory of God
Himself.
(05:45):
Well, let's look at thedoctrinal insights that we find
from Psalm 11.
First, we see sovereignty Evenin chaos, god reigns from his
heavenly throne verse 4.
Second, we see divine justice.
God will ultimately judge thewicked and vindicate the
righteous verses 5 through 6.
Then we see human testing.
Trials are used by God torefine and prove his people
(06:09):
verse 5.
Next, we see the hope of glory.
The faithful are promised theeternal joy of seeing God's face
verse 7.
And finally, we see moralclarity.
God does not tolerate violenceor wickedness.
His holiness demands justice.
So now let's take all of thatdoctrine and let's make it
(06:32):
practical, practical theologyfor the struggling soul.
If you're walking through fear,injustice or deep cultural
discouragement, let these truthsshape your heart.
When you feel like running, askwhether it's out of fear or in
faith.
God may call you to stay andstand.
When you feel like evil iswinning.
(06:53):
Remember that delay is notdenial.
God's justice is certain.
When society crumbles orinstitutions fail, rest in the
truth that God's throne is stillsecure.
When you feel exposed, rememberthat the God who tests you also
covers and refines you.
When darkness seems to obscureeverything good, fix your hope
(07:18):
on the promise that one day youwill see his face.
Let's reflect and respond?
Remember you could use yourjournal here.
Stop the podcast if you need to.
Number one when have you beentempted to flee or disengage
because of fears or injustice?
Number two what foundations inyour life or culture feel like
(07:41):
they're crumbling?
Number three how does the imageof God reigning from his throne
reshape your perspective?
Number four in what ways mightGod be testing and refining your
faith in this season?
Number five how can you respondto fear?
(08:05):
Not with escape, but with faith.
Respond to fear, not withescape, but with faith.
Number six what are the placeswhere you need to speak truth or
act justly, even at personalrisk?
And number seven what does itlook like for you to live with
(08:27):
the hope of beholding his facetoday?
Well, let's pray.
Father, thank you for revealingyourself through the power of
your word.
Lord Jesus, thank you for beingthe fulfillment of every
promise and the anchor for everystorm.
Holy Spirit, guide us intodeeper trust, lasting peace and
transforming hope.
Teach us to walk in the truthof this psalm today.
(08:48):
In Christ's name, we pray Amen.
Are you afraid today?
Are you tempted to give in orgive up?
Psalm 11 reminds you thatyou're not without a refuge.
You are not forgotten.
You are not at the mercy of thewicked.
If you want to learn more aboutus, join our free navigator
(09:08):
level of Lessons for Lifecommunity at jameslongjrorg
slash community for devotionals,meetups and training that will
help you walk by faith, orexplore one of our full
memberships at jameslongjrorgslash.
Sign up now for deeper coachingand content designed to help
(09:32):
you grow in emotional,relational and spiritual wisdom.
Remember this you are notabandoned.
You are upheld by the God,whose throne cannot be shaken
Until next time.
Be blessed, take care.
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