Read
(A psalm by David for the music leader.)
A Prayer for Help
1Please help me, Lord!
All who were faithful
and all who were loyal
have disappeared.
2Everyone tells lies,
and no one is sincere.
3Won't you chop off
all flattering tongues
that brag so loudly?
4They say to themselves,
“We are great speakers.
No one else has a chance.”
5But you, Lord, tell them,
“I will do something!
The poor are mistreated
and helpless people moan.
I'll rescue all who suffer.”
6Our Lord, you are true
to your promises,
and your word is like silver
heated seven times
in a fiery furnace.
7You will protect us
and always keep us safe
from those people.
8But all who are wicked
will keep on strutting,
while everyone praises
their shameless deeds.
Reflect
Every day, people are deeply wounded by the words of another. There are those who are devastated by the words of someone they thought loved them, and there are others who are left distraught by people who will tell them one thing and do something else behind their back. Then, there are also the words of people who appear to have power and might. In these cases, they can devastate the lives of people they don’t even know simply by speaking words that lead to decisions and actions being taken by companies, governments, and others with earthly might.
This is David’s lament in Psalm 12. There is nobody faithful or loyal remaining in the human race. Everyone is out for themselves. The world is full of people who speak and act in the best interests of only one person – “me!”
In stark contrast to the despair of those who are wounded by the words of others come the words of someone else. “I will now rise up. I will provide safety for the one who longs for it.”
If you have been devastated by the words of someone, know that the Lord sees your pain, hears your cry, and promises to provide safety for you.
The world praises and pursues what is ultimately worthless. God is your protector.
Every person believes a story about themselves and about life. Will you believe the words spoken by another person, or will you believe the words spoken by God?
Respond
Dear Father God, I acknowledge that too often I allow the words of others to control my life. Help me to find my safety and protection from you. I am grateful that you see my pain and know my brokenness. I love you, Father. Thank you for loving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Kirk Giles
Kirk Giles is Co-Lead Pastor of Forward Church – a multisite church in the Waterloo Region area of Ontario. He previously served as President of Promise Keepers Canada | Impactus – a global ministry equipping men for a life of purpose and godly impact. Kirk is married to Shannon and together, they have four adult children and two daughters-in-law.