READING: Psalms 9-16
The book of psalms is a book of contrasts — a book comparing those who walk in righteousness and those who walk in wickedness (Psalm 1). Those who walk righteously are firmly rooted, but those who live unrighteously are blown away like the chaff. Two of today’s psalms echo those truths.
In Psalm 12, David speaks of a time when the people seemingly had rejected God for whatever they wanted. Ego, self-sufficiency, and falsehood prevailed: “everyone lies to their neighbor; they flatter with their lips but harbor deception in their hearts” (Psalm 12:2). In fact, the people assumed they themselves reigned, and nobody was lord over them. They strutted about, focusing only on themselves. Frankly, I wish I could say that I’ve never seen what David saw in others, but that would not be a truthful statement. In fact, I’m afraid I’ve seen this kind of deceit and arrogance in myself at times over the years.
In Psalm 15, though, David describes the one who dwells in God’s tent, who lives in His presence. While he lists several characteristics of this person, notice the contrast to Psalm 12: “Who may live on your holy mountain? The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others” (Psalm 15:2-3). In Psalm 12, the wicked treated others wrongly while focusing on only themselves; in Psalm 15, the righteous treated others well while sacrificing self for others. In the first psalm, David wanted God to silence all the flattering lips; in the second one, he knew God would not allow the righteous to be shaken. I want to be on the side that is not shaken.
As followers of God, how we treat others really does matter. We cannot claim to serve God well when we choose not to serve others, nor can we claim to be righteous when we walk in falsehood. Our Redeemer expects us to be people of truth who love truth, live truth, speak truth, proclaim truth, and model truth. It's the enemy who draws you toward lies.
ACTION STEPS:
- Ask God to show you any place your life that lacks integrity. Be prepared to accept what He shows you.
- Today, be truthful in all your relationships — beginning with your walk with God.
PRAYER: “God, You are truth. Work in me so I live and speak only truth today.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Psalm 17-20