7 Do thou, O LORD, protect us, guard us ever from this generation.
8 On every side the wicked prowl, as vileness is exalted among the sons of men.
The feeling of living in a vile generation has been common to all ages, for sin is common to all. However, having said that, it still feels as though things are headed in the wrong direction in today’s modern culture. The psalmist felt as if there was no truth left among the people in his day; the godly seemed to have vanished and it seemed everyone was full of lies (v 2).
Words have always been important because in them the truth is spoken. However, it can be very challenging to a society when the culture decides to change the meaning of words in order to fit a new agenda that is counter to timeless truths. Today, we are living in an age that is not only changing the meaning of words but is rejecting the very truths at the heart of the words. When a society loses all sense of objective truth, then what is considered truth becomes relative to the whims of those who can command the most attention.
The psalmist says the wicked seem to be on every side (v 8). The breakdown of truth we are experiencing in our culture today is not a new thing – it’s just new to us. The psalmist felt it in his day. Jesus felt it in His day too. But, the good news is found in verse 6; the promises of the Lord are as pure as silver that’s been purified seven times.
The righteous have not been forsaken, though it may appear so at times. The Lord will arise (v 5). He will rescue the righteous with His salvation. God will always rescue those who stand with Him and the truth of His Word.
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away”
So, whose words will you believe? The culture around you that is saying wrong is right, that there is no sin? Or will you stand with God and His words? Before you decide, be sure you hear the words of the prophet Isaiah on this very subject…
“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and shrewd in their own sight!… Therefore, as the tongue of fire devours the stubble, and as dry grass sinks down in the flame, so their root will be as rottenness, and their blossom go up like dust; for they have rejected the law of the LORD of hosts, and have despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.” (Isa. 5:21,22,24)
Rather than be discouraged about the way things seem to be headed in a culture that wants to re-define words at every turn, be strong in the Lord, and in His words. Don’t let go of His words…His truth. He has promised to protect the righteous in every generation.
Shalom,
Pastor Brad
image credit: http://victoryoutreachwhittier.org/the-truth-about-fasting/crossing-out-lies-and-writing-truth-on-a-blackboard/