Pastor Joe Ducharme teaches from Psalm 11 that when fear tells us to run, faith reminds us that God is on the throne, sees all, and stabilizes our shaken foundations.
Fear Says Flee, Faith Says Trust
Pastor Joe explains that David begins Psalm 11 with a settled choice to trust God before anything unfolds. Advisers tell him to run from danger, but David knows fleeing would come from fear, not faith. In the same way, the pressures and voices in our own lives often push us toward escape, while faith calls us to stand firm and depend on God’s character.
Seeing Beyond the Circumstances
Fear focuses only on danger and worst-case scenarios. Pastor Joe points out that David’s advisers could only see wickedness, threats, and collapsing foundations. Faith looks differently. It remembers who God is, what He has promised, and how He has carried His people before. Walking by faith means fixing our eyes on God rather than on the storms around us.
God Is Still on the Throne
David answers fear by lifting his eyes to heaven. God is still ruling, still seeing, and still in control even when society or personal life feel unstable. Pastor Joe reminds the church that God is never confused or overwhelmed. Nothing escapes His sight, and He uses trials to refine believers, shaping their character and deepening their trust.
The Hope of the Upright
Psalm 11 ends with the promise that the upright will see God’s face. Pastor Joe closes by reminding us that this hope comes through Jesus, who gives His righteousness to all who trust Him. When everything around us shakes, our security remains in Christ, the unmovable Rock.
Practical Takeaways
Set your trust in God before the crisis comes.
Focus on God’s promises instead of frightening circumstances.
Remember that God rules from His throne and nothing is hidden from Him.
Allow trials to refine your faith and shape your character.
Stand firm in Christ, whose righteousness guarantees your future with God.
