This week’s Song to Live By is Psalm 12

Hannah writes:

There’s a longing in this Psalm for truth and justice that seems so relevant today. Looking at the news, the needs of our world can feel overwhelming. In the UK we’re due a general election in the next year, and this used to be something that would interest me, as it felt exciting as political parties challenged each other to do better, and I would feel hopeful for change. But I’ve become disillusioned over recent years as I realise mere human words often can’t be trusted. We’ve seen statements and promises made by people in government that turn out to be lies, the media can’t always be relied on to communicate the truth, and we’re left in a state of confusion and distrust.. Too often we’re hearing words spoken from positions of power that in fact, for their lack of truth, have no power to improve the plight of the poor, the needy, the weary, the lost, the lonely.

And yet, by contrast, we have a God whose words are flawless, like purified silver and refined gold. His words have power - by his word, all creation came to be. At his word, all nature must bow. John’s gospel tells us that The Word, which was with God and was itself God, became flesh and made his dwelling among us - meaning Jesus Christ, through whom we are set free, and brought into the fullness of life with him. This is the Lord rising, to keep us safe and protect us forever from the wicked. Jesus Christ is the one who speaks in truth and justice, he came to put all things right and to see his Kingdom established. His words are tested, trustworthy and true. I’m so glad he’s the one in ultimate authority over this nation, and this world, for all time, and so we pray again, Lord, let your Kingdom Come!

A prayer:

Help us, Lord! There is so much wrong with the world and our own words and actions are nowhere near powerful enough to make things right, in fact without you we often make things worse. But your words, Lord, are flawless and pure, truthful and powerful. We ask you to speak life and light into the darkness, to keep the needy safe and protect us forever from the wicked. Would you give us wisdom and discernment to filter out the flattery and lies of the enemy, and ears that are tuned to your voice and hearts that meditate on your words. We pray for those who flatter with their lips but harbour deceit in their hearts - would you call them to repentance and into fullness of life in you, so that those who are faithful and loyal to you would increase in number and thrive in this land. In the name of Jesus, amen.