Thoughts for the Day

Help, O Lord, for there is no longer anyone who is godly;
the faithful have disappeared from humankind.
They utter lies to each other;
with flattering lips and a double heart they speak....

‘Because the poor are despoiled, because the needy groan,
I will now rise up,’ says the Lord;
‘I will place them in the safety for which they long.’
The promises of the Lord are promises that are pure,
silver refined in a furnace on the ground,
purified seven times.

You, O Lord, will protect us;
you will guard us from this generation for ever.
On every side the wicked prowl,
as vileness is exalted among humankind.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

David of course was a warrior, accustomed to fighting for survival for much of his life, but here in Psalm 12 we see him dealing with a different kind of 'war' - that which is caused by gossips and those who have nothing better to do than to backbite, flatter or spread rumour. We sense he would prefer to wield his sword in battle rather than cope with those around him, either at Saul's Court, or later in his own Court after he becomes King. In Psalm 12 we see here that he turns to God, knowing that He will defend him and protect him. He is not alone for God has his back, and His support is eternal.

In today's world we can all be susceptible to gossip, rumour and slander, or to those who flatter us but behind their eyes is jealousy or hatred. In today's world all too often we see the tragic way that this may come via social media, and particularly from those who jump to conclusions when something goes wrong. Innocent people can often find themselves targeted and subsequently attacked, as rumour fuels speculation. It can be worse for people like politicians, footballers and actors. People whom the world has built up can easily be toppled when gossips start to muddy the water.

But it's not only the famous who can find themselves caught up gossip and lies, where charitable efforts are diminished through suspicion and rumour by gossiping tongues. We, or our friends and family, can also suffer in this way. If we find ourselves in such a situation there is only one solution. When we feel threatened we should turn to God. Here lies real truth! David says God's promises are like silver refined seven times in a furnace, and because God loves His children, He will guard us. Ultimately with God on our side there is no contest!

Heavenly Father,
when we feel that the world is against us,
and rumour and gossip are winning the day,
may we not be discouraged,
but turn to You,
the source of all truth.
Help us to be true to ourselves,
and not to react negatively
to those who hurt us,
but to leave outcomes to You.
Amen.