God, A Helper Against the Treacherous.

In whatever change we seek, God seeks to change us.

David wrote Psalm 12 when he was threatened and needed to be delivered. Uniquely, he uses no first-person language about his situation. He knows it is not his dilemma alone. Those faithful to God are often isolated, their influence minimized.

David wrestles with the paradox that although God is in absolute control of absolutely everything, the wicked do "strut about on every side" (verse 8). His prayer in this psalm embodies 3 patterns that produce the change so desperately needed.

Pray (Psalm 12:1-4)

David addresses God as "Lord," using the personal name God revealed to Israel which describes His nature as the keeper of promises. David uses the imperative "help" as an inferior desperately seeking the only source who can help him. When he realizes that the faithful are in the minority, it leads him to the emotion of being overwhelmed. This threat to faithful people is evidenced in empty, vain talk that can lead to real harm.

David prayed confidently, assured that he knew the God of heaven. Believers can also approach the Lord in prayer at any time. We must develop this habit before hard times strike so our response will be to turn to God first.

David asks God to vindicate His name in concert with the promises He made to cut off Israel's enemies. In the church era, God vindicates His name by saving souls. This should be our prayer for those who threaten us.

Trust (Psalm 12:5-6)

Though God is silent in the moment, David knows several things about God that he can trust. In the silence, God is making David a worshiper who perseveres in faith.

David trusts God's justice. He knows Scriptures like Deuteronomy 15:11 and 24:14. He knows that in the end, God promised to fix everything. David finds relief even if it's not the relief he initially seeks. The solution to threatening situation is surprising: it is that God changes me (Romans 5:3-5, James 1:2-3).

David trusts God's Word. God's inspired Word is pure, perfect, and authoritative. If we do not view all of Scripture as inspired, we make ourselves the authority, and scholars take the place of God (Romans 1:18-19).

Trust is the result of a relationship. Without it, difficulties will cause the Christian to experience long periods of an inability to think, feel, and act in a way that pleases God.

Change (Psalm 12:7-8)

Prayer elevates the believer outside the bounds of time when they are experiencing anxiety-producing circumstances. Note what doesn't change: the behavior of humanity. Jesus knew this (Matthew 10:16-18). Yet those who are faithful to God are comforted by knowing they are joined in their isolation by the "great cloud of witnesses" of Hebrews 11.

Application Points

• What is your first response when feeling isolated and fearful? Follow David's example and turn first to the Lord in prayer before you look to anyone else for help!
• In the church era, God vindicates His name by saving souls. This should be our prayer for those who threaten us.
• In a threatening time, you must trust what you know to be true about God. This knowledge must be developed beforehand! What are you doing right now to learn more about God?

Tools for Further Study

Cross References to Explore

• John 10:35, 17:17, Matthew 5:18, 2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:21 – The authority of Scripture.

A Hymn to Encourage: "May the Lord Find Us Faithful"

God has not given us the spirit of fear, But has given us the strength to obey.
With power and sound mind, with love the unfailing kind, Oh, be not ashamed of His way.

May the Lord find us faithful, May His Word be our banner held high.
May the Lord find us faithful, Everyday though we live, though we die.

No man that seeketh after things of this life is a soldier, who passes the test.
Be faithful, be working, be running, be serving, Be searching His Word for His best.

May the Lord find us faithful, May His Word be our banner held high.
May the Lord find us faithful, Everyday though we live, though we die.

Living or dying may honor be Thine. From this wretched life, You loved and forgave.
A life that is on fire, be only our heart's desire, Be faithful from now to the grave.

May the Lord find us faithful. May His Word be our banner held high.
May the Lord find us faithful, everyday though we live, though we die.