God Gives Assurance
You, Lord, will guard us; you will protect us from this generation forever.
Psalm 12:7 (CSB)
The world is filled with deception and lies. This reality should not shock us because we live in a fallen world that is under the influence of the Father of Lies, Satan. The Psalmist laments in Psalm 12 about this deceptive condition. He sees the falsehood that runs rampant and mourns the state of the world. The lament turns into a moment of assurance as the Psalmist acknowledges God’s commitment to maintain the faithful and to protect His Word from corruption. We must recognize that these two truths remain the same today. The Lord seeks to maintain His own and continues to protect His Word.
Deceit Prevails (1-4). The Psalmist defines the state of the world as one dominated by deceit. Faithfulness, integrity, and morality appear to be absent. People exploit each other to obtain what they desire, disregarding the cost of their pursuits. They trample over one another, using one another for personal gain. The condition described by the Psalmist perfectly reflects the modern world, as individuals strive to do whatever it takes to achieve their desires.
The Lord’s Promised Response (5). The Psalmist reveals the promise of the Lord. The Lord sees the condition of the world and more specifically mentions the plight of the needy. God promises to rise up and respond. He will offer safety for those who long for it. This declaration foreshadows an even greater promise. The Lord sees the spiritually needy and will rise up to offer the needed sacrifice so that the spiritually needy can have their spiritual needs met in Christ. Notice that the key to receiving safety in Psalm 12 was the longing for it. To receive the response to the spiritual need, one must respond by longing for redemption, which comes through faith in Christ alone.
God’s Protective Promises (6-8). God’s promise encompasses not only rescue but also purity and protection. The Psalmist highlights the notion of purification and also addresses the Lord’s protection against the enemies and threats of this world. Through redemption, we attain purification from sin in our lives. Simultaneously, the Lord continues to shield us from worldly threats and provides the necessary resources, strength, and ability to overcome the challenges and temptations we encounter.
QUESTIONS
How is God’s promised response to the needy in verse 5 foreshadow the work of Christ as the ultimate promised response?
How can we learn to trust in God’s protection when we dwell in a land that is consumed by deceit?
