Psalm Book PDF

Psalm Twelve If you look at the world, you'll be distressed. If you look

Psalm 12 begins with an introduction which differs depending on which Bible translation you have. In the NLT Bible it begins: “For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be accompanied by an eight stringed instrument.” In Bible times, this eight-stringed instrument would be a lyre, or a small harp. In Floyd County, there is another eight-stringed instrument which can often be heard around the Floyd Country Store: the mandolin. Whatever instruments are used to accompany them, we know that the Psalms of the Bible are actually songs about life. And just as life can be different from day to day or moment to moment, so can songs. Psalm 12 is like two very different, contrasting songs wrapped up in one. The first song (verses 1-4) seems very sad and scary. It talks about sin, lies, and hostility and causes anxiety and sadness. Picture a mandoline player strumming this part of the song violently fast and hard to the point that the player is sweating and losing control of his rhythm. Verse 1 begins with “Help!” This song is sung by a person in need. They see that good, godly people are disappearing. As they say, a good man is hard to find. People are lying and flattering (v. 2). The flattery here can be described as saying nice things with evil intentions. Telling people what they want to hear so that they can be tricked into doing evil things. This lying and flattering are so bad that the psalmist wants God to cut off their lips! Now, this is not a good example of a prayer request for our enemies as Jesus says we should love them (not cut off their lips). But at least the psalmist is bringing his requests and needs to God. As Psalm 121:2 says, “My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth!” So when we are being troubled by evil people or evil situations, God wants us to ask for help, and we can trust that He will respond to our request. Verse 5 marks a transition to another type of song. This one is much more calm and relaxing, like a beautifully picked melody being played while laying back cross-legged in a lawn chair on a sunny, peaceful day. This part of the song is comforting. Both verse 5 and 7 tell us that God’s response to evil and to the groans (and prayers) of the needy is to protect and give safety. Psalm 62 supports this theme: “Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly He is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken.” When we trust and keep our eyes on God, the troubles and attacks of the world, and even our own sin, cannot overwhelm us. Verse 6 shares one way that God helps us through trials. While the world spits lies and flattery at us . . . God is different. Verse 6 tells us the Lord’s words are pure. He speaks the truth in love and is able to protect us from those who plan evil for us. One way to respond to the lies of the world is to focus our minds on God’s Word, the Bible. This focus will help us to remember that God is strong enough and caring enough to protect us in all trials.

within, you'll be depressed. If you look at God you'll be at rest.

-Corrie ten Boom