What can you do when the whole world is out to get you? Scammers try to get all your hard-earned money. They send you SMS / WhatsApp messages. They sell fake or low quality products from their online stores. When you answer a job application ad, they bring you to a foreign country to scam others. They run away without a trace after getting what they want from you. What can you do when the whole world is out to get you?
Psalm 12 shows the frustration with the prevalence of deceit and a yearning for God’s intervention. Despite the disappointment, the psalmist trusted in God’s character and justice.
Be Discerning. Psalm 12 mentions the presence of flattering lips and boastful tongue (v3). We must be discerning about the information and messages we receive. Avoid bad influence and wicked people.
Find Strength in God. While surrounded by negativity and wickedness, the psalmist turns to God for help. We should be encouraged to find strength and hop in God, even when the world feels unreliable.
Live with Integrity. The psalm does not call for vengeance. Instead, it asks for God’s protection and the preservation of the faithful. This reminds us to live with integrity, even when surrounded by those are wicked and evil.
In the past week, has there been a day you did not encounter dishonesty or deceit? That sounded too negative. Let me ask again. When was the last time you encounter dishonesty or deceit? Was it a dishonest scale? Was it a scheme? How did it make you feel? How can you be more discerning about the information you receive and the influences it has on your life? What can you do to cultivate a life of integrity, reflecting God’s truthfulness in your words and deeds?
You are invited to say this prayer.
Our Father in heaven. In this world that is filled with negativity and lies, help us to see through falsehoods and cling to your truth. Grant us discernment to choose influences that align with your Word and your character. Give us strength and wisdom to live with integrity, reflecting your faithfulness in what that we do. In the name of Jesus, amen.
Final thoughts. Not everyone who claims to be a Christian is. Not everyone who mentions the name of Jesus is a follower of Jesus. Watch out for the wolves in sheepskin. Do not be the blind that leads the blind.
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