Psalm 12:6 ESV- “The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times.”
Just a few days ago, we inaugurated our new president. I’m sure we can all agree that the road traveled to get here was a long, curvy, bumpy, unpleasant one, to say the least. For months and months, we watched countless ads of one candidate tearing down another, heard the insults from all over the media, and swallowed one false statement after another. No matter how you voted, it’s safe to say the majority of us sensed so much dishonesty, pride, and flattery seeping through the pores of nearly everything involved in either campaign. That seems to be the way the world works today… To get something you want, you have to tear down whoever is “in your way” to ensure it’s yours, or manipulate someone who can get you closer to that goal. For approval, you must embellish the reality you live in to seem more intriguing to those casting the votes. Say what you think the majority wants to hear, even if your plan to follow through isn’t thought out just yet. Empty promises, shallow conversations, and selfish motives are lingering around every corner.
This becomes exhausting… for everyone.
When that fatigue sets in, when you just don’t know who or what to believe anymore- that’s the best time to listen to the only words that are unshakeable. God’s Words. (2 Tim. 3:16) Isn’t it good to know that everything He says to us is 100% true? And that any promise He makes is completely within His means to keep… and that He will? (Hebrews 10:23, Psalm 30:5) He’s already sovereign, so these hope-filled, life-giving words He speaks gain Him nothing. The promises He gives to us aren’t for His benefit, but ours. He always has our best interest in mind.
Rest assured, when He says “My yoke is easy, and my burden is light,” (Matt. 11:30) that’s not a manipulating phrase He uses to try and entice you to follow Him. That phrase is entirely true. When you’re leaning on Him, even though frustratingly difficult times keep knocking on your door, you can lay all stress down at His feet. “Cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) And right in the middle of those darkest nights, He provides “peace, which transcends all understanding…” (Phil. 4:7) When He gives you instruction like how to handle your money, (Mal. 3:10, Prov. 22:7) or how to handle a difficult person, (Rom. 12:18, Phil. 2:3-4) or how to be successful, (Prov. 16:3, Phil. 4:13) it’s because His way works. It’s been tried and tested–and found to be pure–just like that refined silver.
While many things spoken or written today are questionable, His word is something you can fully rely on to get you through this life. (Psalm 119:105) Every verse in the Bible was given to us to understand how to deal with every situation life might throw our way. If you’re confused or hurt, scared or sick, angry or broken, He has a special word–a genuinely pure and honest word–just for you today… and every day.
Jesus, help me to remember to cling tightly to the promises and instruction You’ve given me in Your Word. Give me strength to hold onto what You’ve spoken even during times I can’t see any further than the moment I’m in. May I never forget that in this day and age where few things are reliable and few promises are dependable, Your word endures forever. You said “Whoever listens to Me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster,” and I claim that today. I will listen to You, Jesus, because I know Your Words are pure. Amen.
Thinking Out Loud 