Psalm 12—When You’re Longing for Safety and Stability

Psalm 12—When You’re Longing for Safety and Stability

No matter how dependable your friends and family may be, there is only one who can save. Only one who is preeminently trustworthy. However, when it seems as if all godly ones are gone, vulnerability sets in. The faithful are gone. Vanished. Godlessness seems to prevail. You’re out on a limb and in need of safety.

Beware of sugar-coated lips. Ears are easily tickled.

“Save, O Lord, for the godly one is gone; for the faithful have vanished from among the children of man.” Psalm 12:1

During loss, you need a place to seek safety and stability.

David says that everyone lies. Only one can be trusted completely. All others are suspect. Beware of flattering lips. God’s words are unassailable. All others are prone to speak from a double heart. The Lord is opposed to flatterers. Beware of boastful tongues.

“Everyone utters lies to his neighbor; with flattering lips and a double heart they speak.” Psalm 12:2

I’m reminded of Matthew 19:17 where Jesus said, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” There is only one who is good. Of course, there are people we trust. But not like this, not like complete trust. We wholeheartedly and unequivocally can trust him. Every word. All the time. No exceptions. We can exclaim with the psalmist in Psalm 138:3, “…my strength of soul you increased.” He is trustworthy.

When it comes to justice, we can do our part, but ultimately, we lean into and trust him to act. The Lord will cut off all flattery no matter how arrogantly any one of us might say that our lips and tongue will prevail. The poor are plundered, and the needy groan.

“…who is master over us?” … ‘I will now arise,’ says the Lord; ‘I will place him in the safety for which he longs.’” Psalm 12:4,5

When you know not where to turn for wisdom, or when you know not where to turn for protection from injustice, turn to God. He does not flatter. He does not simply provide protection from plundering. Temporal perspectives lead to wrong alliances. No sugar-coated lips with your Father.

“From Thee all comes, in Thee all lives, in Thee all ends.” John Baillie, A Diary of Private Prayer

Don’t trust flattering lips or temporal promises of protection. Lean into and stand upon the foundation of pure words of truth. Patience on God’s part will be short-lived. He will arise, and he will place us in eternal safety.

“The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times.” Psalm 12:6

Again, pure words must be preferred over flattering words. Double hearts do not provide words of silver. Only God’s words are pure. He promises to keep us for eternity. These are words of confidence for our souls. We live in a time and among a generation that prowls. Vileness and wickedness may be exalted, but it’s a temporary and short-lived environment. Eternal words are pure.

His words—his pure truth—will overwhelm lies, flattery, double hearts, and injustice. He will guard us who place our trust in him.

“You, O Lord, will keep them; you will guard us from this generation forever. On every side the wicked prowl, as vileness is exalted among the children of man.” Psalm 12:7-8

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