The Godly Are No More
For the choirmaster. According to Sheminith. A Psalm of David.
“Help, O LORD, for the godly are no more; the faithful have vanished from among men. They lie to one another; they speak with flattering lips and a double heart. May the LORD cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaks proud things. They say, “With our tongues we will prevail. We own our lips—who can be our master?”
“For the cause of the oppressed and for the groaning of the needy, I will now arise,” says the LORD. “I will bring safety to him who yearns.”
The words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace, like gold purified sevenfold. (Probable reading of the original Hebrew text; MT like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified sevenfold.) You, O LORD, will keep us; You will forever guard us from this generation. The wicked wander freely, and vileness is exalted among men.”
Once more, David is complaining to God. David feels surrounded by scoundrels who will say anything to manipulate and gain power and influence. These guys are BAAAAD and proud of it! David is so disgusted that he begs God to cut off all flattering lips, double hearts, and proud tongues.
But wait, there’s still hope. For centuries, the Psalms have encouraged and inspired millions of people and this Psalm is no exception. After describing the problems, David goes on to praise God for His watch care and His faithfulness.
““For the cause of the oppressed and for the groaning of the needy, I will now arise,” says the LORD. “I will bring safety to him who yearns.” The words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace, like gold purified sevenfold. You, O LORD, will keep us; You will forever guard us from this generation. The wicked wander freely, and vileness is exalted among men.”
APPLICATION: As I am writing this, we have just marked the 22nd anniversary of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Those attacks are some of the most scurrilous ever mounted; however, far more amazing are the stories that continue to come out concerning the heroism of quiet individuals. Repeatedly, we learn of police, fire fighters, emergency personnel and private citizens who led hundreds of people out of the twin towers despite overwhelming odds. On a day when vileness attempted to exalt itself, God raised up valiant men and women who brought many to safety. The passengers on United Flight 93 took over the airplane, allowing it to crash rather than allowing it to turn back to attack the White House. Military service personnel and others moved quickly into the Pentagon, saving as many people as possible.
No matter how bad things look, God is still on the throne and He is still sovereign. Nothing is hidden from God, and He can deliver us from danger or give us the necessary courage to face danger or even death courageously. On one of the worst days in American history, God empowered the heroes and heroines.
PRAYER: Father God, Thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, thank You that You are our Deliverer and our Protector. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.
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