Today’s reading: Psalm 12
I’ve experienced events I never imagined would happen in my lifetime during the past 10 months. When we turned the calendar to 2021, I naively thought this nation, ravaged by the pandemic, racial tensions and a huge political divide, hit rock bottom in 2020 and only had one way to go – up. Things had to start getting better, right?
Wrong. With the president inciting an attack on our nation’s capital building last week, and his impeachment this week, the first two weeks of 2021 have NOT started out any better than last year. Without faith in a God who has power over it all, it would be very easy to sink into hopelessness.
Why do I believe?
Through his death, burial and resurrection, Jesus overcame sin and death. Because I put my faith in him, I am not stuck in this world. Rather than a life of hopelessness, pain and heartache, I can choose a life of joy and fulfillment.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
In Psalm 12, King David was also fighting battles he wasn’t used to. Remember, King David was a mighty warrior. He was skilled at fighting battles against strong armies. In this instance, however, David had a new enemy. The war of words in which he found himself was against boastful, lying, deceitful, and manipulative people not other armies. Can you relate? Unfortunately I can. This sounds a lot like the environment and people I work with every day. It is exhausting!
Note David’s response throughout this passage –
Help Lord… (verse 1)
May the Lord silence all flattering lips and every boastful tongue… (verse 3)
You, Lord, will keep the needy safe and protect us from the wicked… (verse 7)
David knew the Lord had power over sin and darkness. He took his cares to God and trusted him for deliverance. What a timely reminder as we begin 2021.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6).