"When we call out to God to rescue us, He is not deaf to our cries! He is moved with compassion at our suffering and He is our hope." Kathy Spampinato

As we look at the world around us, it can be hard to see the positive. Many people are panicked and distressed as they listen to, and observe, what is happening in our society. They look at the direction of our culture and are despairing. They do not know where to turn for help, or in which direction to look for progress, growth, or change. We are not the only generation to react this way. I would like to explore one of the Psalms from the Bible and see if you can see the parallels to today.

Psalm 12, ESV A Psalm of David.

"1 Save, O Lord, for the godly one is gone;   for the faithful have vanished from among the children of man.

2 Everyone utters lies to his neighbor;    with flattering lips and a double heart they speak.

3 May the Lord cut off all flattering lips,    the tongue that makes great boasts,

4 those who say, “With our tongue we will prevail,    our lips are with us; who is master over us?”

Does this sound familiar? You might recognize the frustration and angst. You cannot trust those around you and even the news is suspect. Who are you going to believe? Where is truth and justice? What does God say to us when we feel this way? Can, and will He do something? Let's continue.

5 “Because the poor are plundered, because the needy groan,    I will now arise,” says the Lord;    “I will place him in the safety for which he longs.”

6 The words of the Lord are pure words,    like silver refined in a furnace on the ground,    purified seven times.

7 You, O Lord, will keep them;    you will guard us from this generation forever.

8 On every side the wicked prowl,    as vileness is exalted among the children of man."

The Lord promises that He will intervene because the needy groan. When the news brings us stories of the vileness of mankind, He is our hope. When we call out to God to rescue us, He is not deaf to our cries! He is moved with compassion at our suffering and He is our hope. You can put your trust in Him! He is not a man that He should lie. You can trust and believe the words of God. Here is a promise you can rely on.

Psalm 91: 14-16 "Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation."

When desperation arrives at your door and you find yourself in the hour of need, you can put your trust in the Lord. When you hold fast to Him, He promises His deliverance and protection. As you observe what is happening in our culture, you can put your hope in God who is righteous and faithful. He will come through for you.

Psalm 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."