Sundays in the Psalms (12)

When Things Look Bad, Look Up

True believers find themselves in the minority in this fallen world—the few on the narrow path that leads to life.

Consequently, they face a growing number of unbelievers who stand in firm opposition to the cause of righteousness.

If the righteous are to remain strong, they must call upon the Lord.

Only he can give them the strength to stand when they are outnumbered by the ungodly.

In Psalm 12, David recognized this sobering reality.

The once God-fearing society in which he lived, previously built upon the moral absolutes of God’s law, was now crumbling from within.

In its place a culture built on pagan beliefs and secular humanism was becoming the prevailing worldview of his day.

Godly people such as David were finding themselves in the minority.

In light of such lawlessness, how were the godly to respond to the godless?

Should they withdraw into isolation?

As David looked around, he observed the righteous remnant diminishing, society disintegrating, truth crumbling, and sin flourishing.

In this hour of national decadence, David did what all believers must do.

He turned to God and trusted in his promises.

He found the strength he needed to live through the crisis.

When things looked bad, David Looked up!

I. David’s Plea

Psalm 12:1, 2

When troubles came, David was quick to see Divine help which helps to explain why David was such a successful man.

“Help, LORD” (Psalm 12:1).

Some of the best prayers are very short prayers.

As an example, when Peter began to go down in the water, he cried out to Jesus, “Lord, save me” (Matthew 14:30).

We do not have to pray long impressive (to the listeners) prayers to pray effective prayers.

Keep your prayers simple.

God does not need your flowery words.

After the initial “Help, LORD” David gives some details about why he cried “Help” to the Lord.

Because of ..

a. The Decline of the Godly.

“For the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail among the children of men” (Psalm 12:1).

There was a distinct decline among the number of godly and those who were faithful to the Lord. Death, departure in exile, or defilement declined the rolls of the godly. This is an acute problem today. Few in our churches are faithful and godly. Spiritual decline has cursed our nation.

b. The Declarations of the Godless

The words of the godless (who now prevail since the godly have declined) are so imperiling to the godly.

Like our liberal news media and profanity-filled society, the tongue of wickedness is causing great peril for the godly as well as pollution in the land.

First, the FLATTERING of the declarations. “Flattering lips” (Psalm 12:2).

Flattery is not truth but falsehood.

It is false praise.

So much praise today is deceptive, just flattery.

It is the lying praise spoken by the politician.

Its words that are used to get what they want

Second, the FAITHLESSNESS of the declarations. “With a double heart do they speak” (Psalm 12:2).

These evil declarations are spoken by insincere hearts.

They do not mean what they say, but they say it in such a way that it sounds good and hurts the godly.

II. David’s Petition

Psalm 12:3–4

David cries out to God in verses 1-2.

Almost a complaint

David almost sound like Elisha when he thought he was the only one left.

Now David brings his petition.

His complaint appears to turn to confidence.

He had confidence that the Lord heard his plea and His Word promised action to remedy the evil situation.

“The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things; Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own; who is lord over us” (Psalm 12:3, 4).

God will punish those who speak with flattering lips and that speaketh proud things.

Spurgen makes a great point when he says, flattering lips and speaking proud things are essentially the same thing.’

the first flatters another, the second flatters ones self.

Regardless they are things that God hates:

Proverbs 6:16–17 KJV 1900

These six things doth the Lord hate: Yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood,

Proverbs 16:19 KJV 1900

Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, Than to divide the spoil with the proud.

Proverbs 21:4 KJV 1900

An high look, and a proud heart, And the plowing of the wicked, is sin.

and I could go on.

Verse 4 summarizes the thinking behind the boastful of verse 3.

These arrogant and conceited boasters claim no one has authority over their words or their actions.

Alec Motyer helpfully rewords the verse like this: “With our tongues we will prove our strength; our lips are at our disposal. Who is our master?” (Psalms by the Day, 34).

These men believe they can say whatever they want.

They believe they answer to no one.

They are their own propaganda machine with zero accountability.

In our world their words would be their weapons and social media would be their tool.

Let’s be sure to use words for God’s glory (1 Cor 10:31

1 Corinthians 10:31 KJV 1900

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

Otherwise, be prepared for him to silence you in his own time and in his own way.

III. David’s Protection

(vs.5

In due season the Lord will hear his elect ones, who cry day and night unto him, and though he bear long with their oppressors, yet will he avenge them speedily.

Nothing moves a father like the cries of his children; he bestirs himself, wakes up his manhood, overthrows the enemy, and sets his beloved in safety.

A puff is too much for the child to bear, and the foe is so haughty, that he laughs the little one to scorn; but the Father comes, and then it is the child’s turn to laugh, when he is set above the rage of his tormentor.

IV. David’s Peace

(6–7)

What a contrast between the vain words of man, and the pure words of Jehovah.

Man’s words are yea and nay, but the Lord’s promises are yea and amen. For truth, certainty, holiness, faithfulness, the words of the Lord are pure as well-refined silver.

1. Believers have a Guide (6)

David knew that God’s Words were his guide.

The word pure is translated from a word that denotes the absence of impurity, filthiness, defilement, or imperfection. It is applied concretely to substances that are genuine or unadulterated as well as describing an unstained condition of a spiritual or ceremonial nature.[W. E. Vine, Merrill F. Unger, and William White Jr., Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, 1996, 1, 36]

David could trust His Word because he knew that there was nothing God said that was wrong.

David had a guide given by God that could be trusted.

Stick with the Book, and you will stick to the path.

2. Believers have a Guarantee (7)

David not only had a guide, he had a guarantee

He knew that no matter how bad the times became, God’s Word would never change.

If He said that vengeance is mine, then He will get vengeance.

If He said, these six things I do hate, then those six things He still hates and the seventh is still and admonition.

We have no reason to hide in a corner and ring our hands, God is still God and His Word is still true.

V. David’s Perception

(8)

Here we return to what first made the Psalmist run to the Lord and cry out, namely, the prevalence of wickedness.

David knew where to go for help, he knew God would help but he also knew that evil is still evil and as long as there is sin in this world, the wicked will be on every side and the vilest of men will be exalted.

David was not fooled. He knew that as long as he lived he would need God’s help.

So this brings us back to v1. “Help Lord”

Conclusion

When things look bad, look up.

The darkest hours of the Church’s night are those which precede the break of day.

Man’s extremity is God’s opportunity.

Just cry Help, LORD.