How to Take Refuge in God

2026-05-27 Brent Paschall Psalm 11

When life feels overwhelming and threats surround us, where do we turn? This teaching from Psalm 11 reveals how taking refuge in God begins with a heavenly perspective—seeing beyond immediate dangers to the One who sits on the throne, tests the righteous, and holds the wicked accountable.

Detailed Summary

This teaching on Psalm 11 centers on the foundational question of where believers turn for refuge when facing life's trials and threats. The psalm opens with the Psalmist's counsel to flee to the Lord as a mountain stronghold when foundations are being destroyed and the righteous are being attacked. The speaker emphasizes that in moments of fear and pressure, our natural instinct is often to run, hide, or look for escape—but God calls His people to a different response: running toward Him as our refuge.

The central insight of the message is the necessity of maintaining a 'heavenly perspective' rather than being consumed by what is visible around us. The word 'behold' appears three significant times in Psalm 11, and the speaker walks through each occurrence carefully. When the Psalmist looks around at the wicked preparing to attack the righteous, he chooses to behold something greater—God on His throne. While we see only the immediate and limited dangers before us, God sees everything simultaneously.

The teaching draws a powerful contrast between human sight and divine sight. We behold dangers and threats that seem overwhelming, but God on His throne beholds the whole picture. He is actively testing the righteous—not to destroy them, but to refine and strengthen them. At the same time, He holds the wicked accountable for their violence and hatred. Nothing escapes His notice.

The ultimate reassurance comes at the close of the psalm: the upright will behold God's face. This promise of divine presence and approval anchors the believer's hope. The speaker encourages listeners to fix their eyes on what is unseen and eternal, trusting that the One who sees all will make all things right.