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Is There Any Hope Out There?!

Aug 30
2 min read


The words of the Lord are pure words,

like silver refined in a furnace on the ground,

purified seven times.

Psalm 12:6 (ESV)



During July we explored Psalm 12 together. This is a psalm that laments the lack of justice and basic decency in society, complaining strongly that the good people have vanished, leaving the greedy and the selfish to rule. The psalmist despairs at the lies and deceit that seem to be everywhere, and the arrogance of those who are only interested in themselves, wilfully ignoring the needs of the poor and vulnerable.

 

There is hope however! Halfway through the psalm, God expresses the compassion for the needy he is famous for. He hears the cries and groans and is ready for action, promising the place of safety people in danger need and long for. The wicked may scheme and prowl around, yet God is the guard and keeper of the vulnerable.

 

One of the things we noticed about this psalm was how God’s words compare with those of humans. A human tongue may make great boasts, but of what value are the crude words which come out of it, compared to the refined, pure nature of God’s talk? Throughout our lives we can rely on God’s pure, perfect wisdom and help in times of trouble and chaos, and it doesn’t stop there! By the Holy Spirit, we will also be refined in our words and actions, as we are purified to become more like Jesus day by day.

 

The themes of this psalm are sadly all too relevant today. Indeed, we spent a good amount of time thinking about this. However, amongst today's noise of human boasts and deceit, God still hears the cries of his children. Jesus promised that all who would come to him would find rest in him. This is still true today.

 

Followers of Jesus are also called to show the world that there is a different way of doing life, and as we are purified by him we learn to live by his mercy, grace and wisdom. Maybe by living this way and truly loving one another as he loves us, those around us can realise that the faithful have not vanished, and find some hope?

 
 
 

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