Scripture Passage
Scripture Focus
His words are as smooth as butter,
but in his heart is war.
His words are as soothing as lotion,
but underneath are daggers!
(Psalm 55:21 NLT)
Observation
Have you ever dealt with somebody you just knew you couldn’t trust? I’m thinking especially of someone who said all the right things and did all the right things (at least, in your presence), but—deep down—you knew everything *wasn’t* on the up and up, and you really couldn’t trust that person as they were presenting themselves to you.
Psalm 55 obviously grows from a time in David’s life when he experienced that kind of relationship—and, in fact, had suffered betrayal at the hands of someone he’d trusted (when he shouldn’t have).
The psalm is a cry for God’s help (“Confuse them, Lord, and frustrate their plans” v. 9) and a declaration of expectation of God’s deliverance (“…you, O God, will send the wicked down to the pit of destruction” v. 23). But as I read it today, I’m thinking more about relationship—about transparency and integrity in relationship—in terms of both who I need to be, and what I want from others.
I don’t like not knowing where I stand with people. I don’t like wondering if what I’m seeing is what I’m really getting. I hate the possibility that…
His words are as smooth as butter,
but in his heart is war.
His words are as soothing as lotion,
but underneath are daggers!
(Psalm 55:21 NLT)
I don’t want that from others, Lord—so don’t let me ever be guilty of the same! Let genuine authenticity mark every conversation—each word an honest representation of who I am and where I stand. And may I reap, then, what I sow—receiving the same integrity in relationship from others.
I am always amazed at the timeliness of God's Word. Today, my employer will celebrate it's fourth anniversary. The celebration will include much discussion of what we started with and where we are now. God has chosen this very day to remind me that:
ReplyDeletePsalm 39
5 You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand.
My entire lifetime is just a moment to you;
at best, each of us is but a breath.”
Interlude
6 We are merely moving shadows,
and all our busy rushing ends in nothing.
We heap up wealth,
not knowing who will spend it.
7 And so, Lord, where do I put my hope?
My only hope is in you.
A perfect reminder on the appropriate day.