Psalms – Prayers of Honesty
As a teacher, you know the end of the school year is approaching when even the “good ones” begin to go bad. Let me explain. What we mean by that is those who’s behaviors have caused trouble in the classroom group for most of the school year are now affecting those who want to learn. When that happens, it is time for a break. It is time for perspective and wisdom until the last bell rings.
After reading the first two lines of our next Psalm-prayer, it apparently happens in the classroom of life, too. Evil has a one of worming into the hearts of those who have rejected the temptations for a time. But now those same hearts begin to rethink their faith (or don’t think at all) which results in behaviors that are not pleasing to God. We begin to rationalize sin more and more. We think a little lie, here and there, can’t hurt. Taking a few things from work is okay. Putting someone else down by consistently pointing out their faults behind their back so we can get ahead is what it takes to succeed, right? All lies. Psalm 12, The Message
1-2 Quick, God, I need your helping hand!The last decent person just went down,
All the friends I depended on gone.
Everyone talks in lie language;
Lies slide off their oily lips.
They doubletalk with forked tongues.
3-4 Slice their lips off their faces! Pull
The braggart tongues from their mouths!
I’m tired of hearing, “We can talk anyone into anything!
Our lips manage the world.”
5 Into the hovels of the poor,
Into the dark streets where the homeless groan, God speaks:
“I’ve had enough; I’m on my way
To heal the ache in the heart of the wretched.”
6-8 God’s words are pure words,Pure silver words refined seven times
In the fires of his word-kiln,
Pure on earth as well as in heaven.
God, keep us safe from their lies,
From the wicked who stalk us with lies,
From the wicked who collect honors
For their wonderful lies.
SOMETHING TO CHEW…
David is tired of hearing, “We can talk anyone into anything!” Me, too. Years ago I heard a pastor say that behind stage…after speaking a powerful message to God’s people! David is also talking about everyone around him, even the nation of Israel. We must stay alert at all times.
HEART CHECK:
There will be a day when God speaks to all of us: “I’ve had enough; I’m on my way.” God’s words are pure and perfect. We are not. Are we ready for Him to set things right?
“God, keep us safe from their lies,” the Psalmist prays. Shouldn’t that be our prayer today? There is so much lying that is going on in the political world, in family disputes, in our churches, and in the workplace. Evil will go and prosper wherever it can get a foot in the door. What is your prayer for today? Pray now.
Wouldn’t it be great if the pants of liars really did catch fire?
Dear Heavenly Father,
We are bombarded with lies upon lies in our world and in the world around us. Protect us from falling for lies. Protect us from the result of lying behavior. Help us to see Your Truth that will undoubtedly rise to the top if we look for You and seek Your wisdom. Give us wisdom, insight and understanding. Yes, keep us safe from the lies. Help us to always speak Truth or don’t speak at all.
In Jesus Name, Amen
