Psalm 12

      1 Help, LORD, for no one is faithful anymore; 
         those who are loyal have vanished from the human race. 
      2 Everyone lies to their neighbor; 
         they flatter with their lips 
         but harbor deception in their hearts. 
      3 May the LORD silence all flattering lips 
         and every boastful tongue— 
      4 those who say, 
         “By our tongues we will prevail; 
         our own lips will defend us—who is lord over us?” 
      5 “Because the poor are plundered and the needy groan, 
         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 purified in a crucible, 
         like gold refined seven times. 
      7 You, LORD, will keep the needy safe 
         and will protect us forever from the wicked, 
      8 who freely strut about 
         when what is vile is honored by the human race. 

Sometimes it can seem like the the world is full of empty words and false promises.  Here we see the psalmist, like a prophet, crying out because it feels like there’s no one left to trust and that integrity has vanished. It’s a feeling we know all too well when we hear news filled with misinformation or encounter people whose words don’t match their actions. Yet, in the face of this widespread dishonesty, God speaks up for the vulnerable and promises to rise up and protect them. He doesn’t just offer empty platitudes, rather,  his words are pure and reliable. It reminds us that while the world may be filled with what is cheap and false, we can place our full trust in God’s words, knowing that He will always stand by His promises, even when evil seems to be winning.  This week put your hope in His words and promises.

Have a great week!

Blessings,
Eric Casteel
Pastor