“Help, Lord, for no one is faithful anymore; those who are loyal have vanished from the human race.”
Psalms 12:1 NIV
“You are ALWAYS mean to me!”
“You NEVER listen to me!”
“I’ll be alone FOREVER!”
Early in my education to become a mental health counselor I was taught to be on the lookout for qualifiers such as always and never. There is a deeper emotion underneath those words that the speaker either doesn’t know is there or doesn’t want to express because it feels unsafe. These words are used in an argument as a way to create a distance from the deeper uncomfortable emotion.
I wonder what may have been the deeper emotion behind King David’s words in Psalm 12. We know intellectually that there were still faithful people in his life. We know that there were still many loyal subjects that were following him. So why the drastic language?
I can only imagine the loneliness and sadness King David must have felt throughout his life. Running from King Saul, fighting for his life, feeling betrayed and also disappointed in himself for his behavior. An overwhelming amount of emotion.
Have you been there? Have you felt like everything is lost? Have you felt like nothing will be good? Have you wondered where the good is?
I know I have, especially recently. Suffering seems to be everywhere. Tragedy feels like it’s around every corner.
But God…
“For the Lord is righteous, he loves justice; the upright will see his face.”
Psalms 11:7 NIV
“And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times.”
Psalms 12:6 NIV
“You, Lord, will keep the needy safe and will protect us forever from the wicked,”
Psalms 12:7 NIV
Dear God, in the midst of the overwhelming, may we see you. In the sadness and fear, may we sense your nearness. We boldly ask for your hand in our lives and in the world. Heal, protect and draw all to you. Amen.
Mandy
Sixty-six books in a year 