Flattery can be toxic. When someone starts
turning it on, I personally go into high-protection mode. Psalm 12 highlights
this ancient form of manipulation (v4). When words, like political speech, is
filled with half-truths and full lies, no one is safe. But the weak and
defenseless are the most vulnerable. Only the LORD can protect them. His word
is worth its weight gold. The present state of much of the United States is
summarized in verse eight. The vile is honored by our culture.
The picture of a deer thirsting for water is
a powerful picture used in Psalm 42 for a soul’s longing for God. His soul has
trouble looking up in hope. He actively places his thoughts on what God has
done in hopes that his spirit will be lifted again. He wants this more than
almost anything else. But it seems all he hears is silence.
The ruler of any people has a powerful
influence on the people. Psalm 72 lays out some of the righteous things a good
king does and the effect on the people when he does these things. When there is
a good ruler, there is a positive effect that passes to other nations. The
United States of America has been a blessing around the world. What a different
place it would be if we had not stopped Hitler and the Communists. And if we
don’t stop Islam rape and beheadings will spread all over the globe. Only the
LORD can save us!
In Psalm 102 there are a series of word
pictures describing someone in physical, emotional and spiritual turmoil.
Nothing seems to satisfy the ongoing ordeal. But in the middle of the psalm his
focus shifts to the LORD. Hope seems to return. A future generation comes into
view (v18). Even on his worst days he did not want his life to end (v24). So
much for physician assisted suicide! The LORD’s constancy was a source of hope.
It should bring us hope as well. He never changes.
King David, despite all his faults, did
focus on providing a permanent center for worship of the LORD. He didn’t build
it, Solomon his son did, but he made all the plans and gathered all the
provisions prior to his death. This is because of the LORD’s promise which is
repeated in Psalm 132:11. One of his sons will be king after him. But there is
a very important condition: they must be obedient to God’s Word (v12). The
promise was not fulfilled when Solomon sat on the throne. It was a promise for
all generations IF they were obedient. If you haven’t noticed, there is no king
in Jerusalem. David’s descendents have not been king there for many centuries.
Disobedience is the reason for the empty chair.