Finding Hope in Darkness
Scripture: Psalm 12
1 Help, Lord; for the godly man ceases; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.
2 They speak vanity to everyone with their neighbor: with flattering lips and a double heart, they speak.
3 The Lord shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaks proud things:
4 Who has said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is Lord over us?
5 For the oppression of the poor and the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the Lord; I will set him in safety from those who puff at him.
6 The words of the Lord are pure: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.
7 Thou shalt keep them, O Lord, thou shalt preserve them from this generation forever.
8 The wicked walk on every side when the vilest men are exalted.
"God is not preparing you for something small; He is preparing you for something great." — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The lament of Psalm 12 resonates deeply with the experiences of those who feel surrounded by deception, corruption, and ungodliness. The psalm begins with a desperate plea: “Help, Lord; for the godly man ceases; for the faithful fail from among the children of men” (Psalm 12:1). It reflects a world where integrity appears scarce, and deceit dominates. This scenario is not far removed from our current reality.
The psalmist David paints a bleak picture of humanity. Flattering lips, double-hearted speech, and a prideful disregard for divine authority characterize the people around him. David’s cry for help is a personal and communal outcry for righteousness to prevail in a society of moral decay.
Words are Powerful
Words are powerful. Your tongue can become a two-edged sword. You can build up or destroy, heal or harm, life or death. Yet, in Psalm 12, David laments how words have become tools of manipulation and pride: “They speak vanit,y everyone with their neighbor: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak” (Psalm 12:2). This double-hearted speech reflects insincerity—a disconnection between outward expression and inner truth.
We live in a time when words are often used to serve selfish agendas through false promises, gossip, or divisive rhetoric. Social media, for instance, has amplified the reach of flattering lips and proud tongues, creating environments where deception flourishes. David asks, “Who is lord over us?” (Psalm 12:4), which points to humanity's dangerous delusion of independence from God.
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God’s Assurance of Justice
Amid the darkness, Psalm 12 offers a glimmer of hope. God declares, “For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise” (Psalm 12:5). This divine response reminds us that God is neither blind nor indifferent to human suffering. He hears the cries of the oppressed and intervenes to bring safety and justice.
God’s words stand in stark contrast to today's language. “The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times” (Psalm 12:6). This imagery of refined silver emphasizes the reliability and purity of God’s promises. In a world of lies, God’s truth shines brightly as a foundation we can trust.
Preserved by God’s Promises
Let me conclude by saying, “Thou shalt keep them, O Lord, thou shalt preserve them from this generation forever” (Psalm 12:7). David reassures us that God’s preservation extends beyond protecting individuals; it upholds His word and His people against the onslaught of wickedness.
As believers, we are called to embody God’s truth in our speech and actions. In doing so, we become instruments of His justice and love in a broken world. While we may feel like David, overwhelmed by the magnitude of evil, we must remember that God’s promises never fail.
A Call to Action
The presence of evil is not an excuse for silence. Instead, it is a call to stand for righteousness. Speak truth, extend kindness, and remain faithful, knowing God is actively working to bring justice.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your words of hope and instruction in a world where deceit and pride seem to reign. Help us anchor our hearts in Your truth. Please give us the courage to speak with integrity, the wisdom to discern falsehood, and the compassion to care for the oppressed. Arise, Lord, and defend the cause of the needy. Strengthen us to be faithful witnesses of Your love and justice.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
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