“If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?”
Psalm 11:3

Twenty-five years have passed since September 11, 2001, yet for those who remember that day, the images and emotions can still feel remarkably close. We remember the planes, the towers, the smoke, the people running, the first responders rushing toward danger, and the overwhelming grief of a nation. We remember where we were that day.

We remember because forgetting would mean losing something important.

I recently started praying through the Psalms. It feels profound that today’s reading in Psalm 11 asks a question that strikes so deeply on 9/11: ‘If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do? When everything familiar seems to collapse, where do we turn? What do we do when the world no longer feels safe or predictable? The answer is not found in denying the tragedy, but in remembering who God is.

David writes in Psalm 11:4:

“The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD’s throne is in heaven; his eyes see, his eyelids test, the children of man.”

While earthly foundations can shake, God’s throne does not. That does not make tragedy less tragic, nor does it erase the names we remember or diminish the lives that were lost. Instead, it gives us a foundation stronger than anything this world can provide.

On 9/11, we witnessed extraordinary courage amid unimaginable suffering. First responders ran toward danger. Strangers helped strangers. People prayed. Communities came together. Ordinary acts of compassion became extraordinary expressions of love.

Psalm 11 reminds us that God sees it all.

He sees the suffering.
He sees the courage.
He sees the brokenhearted.
He sees those who stay faithful when everything around them collapses.

Remembering 9/11 is not just about looking backward; it is a call to live differently today. To remember the preciousness of life. To refuse hatred and choose love. To speak kindness while we have the opportunity, and to serve others while we can. And, above all, to place our confidence in the One whose foundation cannot be destroyed.

Psalm 11 ends with a beautiful assurance in verse 7:

“For the LORD is righteous; he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face.”

We remember September 11 because the lives lost mattered. The sacrifices made mattered, and the courage displayed mattered. And as we remember, may we also lift our eyes beyond what was shaken on earth to the God who remains firmly seated on His throne.

Prayer –
Lord, as we remember September 11, comfort those who still carry their wounds. Help us honor those who lost their lives and those who sacrificed to save others. When the foundations around us are shaken, remind us that You remain on Your throne. Help us live with courage, compassion, and faith, trusting You as our unshakable foundation. Amen.

*Image AI generated 9.11.26