Tuesday, January 25, 2005

Pure Words...

"The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver tried in a
furnace of earth, purified seven times." Psalm 12:6

You may have had a co-worker say to you, "I need to borrow
some money so I can go out for lunch. I'll pay you back after
my next paycheck." But two months and several hints later,
you still don't have your money back.
Or maybe a friend has told you, "Thanks for letting me use your
car. I'll have it back early enough for you to get to church on
time tonight." But you end up waiting and then hurrying into
church a half hour late.
Or a husband or wife has said, "I promise, dear, we'll talk
about it tonight." But it never happens, and the issue that is
harming the marriage keeps growing (and growing).
Many people give their word, but we can't rely on what they
say. After we get burned a few times, we begin to feel that we
can't trust anybody.
David, who wrote Psalm 12, felt the same way. We don't know
the specific situations that prompted his words, but he felt
surrounded by untrustworthy people. He lamented, "Everyone
lies" (v.2).
Everyone, that is, except God. His words are pure and flaw-
less, like silver that has been through a refiner's fire seven
times (v.6). We can believe God. His promises stand.
He cannot lie.

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"As for God, His way is perfect; the Word of the Lord is proven;
He is a shield to all who trust in Him. For who is God, except
the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God? God is my strength
and power, and He makes my way perfect." 2 Samuel 22:31-33