Nothing Really Changes
Opening Prayer
Lord, Your Word is a living Word and I come now with the expectation that You will teach me from it.
Read PSALM 12:1-8
[1] For the director of music. According to sheminith. A psalm of David. Help, LORD, for the godly are no more; the faithful have vanished from among men. [2] Everyone lies to his neighbor; their flattering lips speak with deception. [3] May the LORD cut off all flattering lips and every boastful tongue [4] that says, “We will triumph with our tongues; we own our lips-who is our master?” [5] “Because of the oppression of the weak and the groaning of the needy, I will now arise,” says the LORD. “I will protect them from those who malign them.” [6] And the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times. [7] O LORD, you will keep us safe and protect us from such people forever. [8] The wicked freely strut about when what is vile is honored among men. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
Why is the psalmist calling on the Lord?I am writing these notes on a Saturday afternoon at a local coffee shop. I can hear the conversation around me. Some of it is disturbing, to say the least. I am acutely aware of the contrast between these unrepeatable words around me and the flawless words of the Lord, full of truth and purity, comfort, hope and goodness.
Then, as now, those who trust in the Lord are living out of step with the culture around them. The fact is, the world is a fallen place, inhabited by people at the mercy of their sinful impulses. We will all be bruised, betrayed and deceived, as David was, so our best response is to turn to God for help. He will protect us and keep us safe. He is the same God now as when David composed his psalm.
The words of the Lord are flawless and he calls us to use words honorably too. Let’s pay careful attention to what we say in the next few days, and do our best not to flatter, boast, lie or malign other people. He will help us, and he is gracious when we fail.
Apply
How do you use your speech for good; how do you avoid misusing it? If it needs correcting, ask God’s help.
Closing prayer
Lord, I want my speech to honor You and to be a blessing to others. Keep me alert to using it that way, I pray.
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