May 10, 2021
Frustrations and Foundations
Gwen Smith
Today’s Truth
And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times (Psalm 12:6, NIV).
Friend to Friend
I was down to the last few drops of my favorite liquid foundation. I wanted to make sure it was completely used up before I bought a new one because it’s pretty pricey. I’m willing to pay a higher price for it because it matches my coloring better than any other foundation I’ve ever used. It’s the perfect base for my face because it evens out my skin tone, making it appear flawless. (Which it’s totally not!)
In Psalm 12, David talks about a different kind of foundation: the Word of the Lord. He was frustrated with the people around him and felt alone in his faith. He was tired of lies. Tired of negativity and deceit.
In his frustration he called out to God and noted the difference that he found in the Word of the Lord as compared to the words of man.
He began his conversation with God this way:
Help, Lord, for no one is faithful anymore;
those who are loyal have vanished from the human race.
Everyone lies to their neighbor;
they flatter with their lips but harbor deception in their hearts.
May the Lord silence all flattering lips
and every boastful tongue—
those who say, “By our tongues we will prevail;
our own lips will defend us—who is lord over us?” (Psalm 12:1-4)
It can be hard when we feel like we're the only ones who care about honesty or matters of believing. As if we are the only ones concerned with honoring God and seeking to know Him more.
All throughout Scripture we see believers who loved God but got weary and, like David, probably felt alone in their faith. But as frustrated as he was about the lack of faithfulness and honesty around him when he began his lament in Psalm 12, his heart turned toward positive as David contrasted the shifting faithlessness of man with the sturdy Word of God.
And the words of the Lord are flawless,
like silver purified in a crucible,
like gold refined seven times (Psalm 12:6).
I love that David spoke to God courageously about the brokenness of humanity, and I respect the way he discerned that it was important to transition his rant to righteousness.
Though the people I interact with might not live with the same values as me, I can transition any rant to righteousness when I choose to celebrate the gift of God’s Word that provides me with a firm and flawless foundation. A foundation that's complete and made perfect in Jesus.
Jesus paid a high price to give you and me a firm and flawless foundation in the sight of God. He paid the highest price and became our Cornerstone so all who turn to Him would be saved in the crucible of His sacrifice on the cross.
“So this is what the Sovereign Lord says: ‘See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic’” (Isaiah 28:16).
Look at that last line: the one who relies on it - the cornerstone, Jesus - will never be stricken with panic. Incredible. A reminder that when I find myself in a tizzy with anxiety, I’m likely standing on a foundation of fear instead of the solid foundation of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. That’ll preach.
In and through every frustration, Jesus is the firm and flawless foundation for faith. Celebrate with me?
Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, Thank You for the giving Your life so I can stand firm in forgiveness, peace and love. Please continue to refine and purify my heart today. Help me to be honest and courageous in my conversations with You and with others.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
Read Psalm 12.
Note that David did a few things: took his frustrations to God, asked God to respond, and celebrated the flawless foundation of the words of the Lord. Spend a few moments doing the same thing in prayer. Grab your journal and write a prayer of response, hash it out with Him on your knees, or tell me where this message finds you today by sending me a direct message on Instagram.
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© 2021 by Gwen Smith. All rights reserved.
Originally published Monday, 10 May 2021.
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