PSALM 12:6: “The words of the Lord are pure words; Like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, filtered seven times.” NASB
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OBSERVATION: In these days of uncertainty – “Who you gonna trust?” When you feel backed up into a corner – “Who you gonna trust?” When you need some solid advice – “Who you gonna trust?” When you are searching for the truth, the reality of life, the answers to the questions of eternity…

“WHO YOU GONNA TRUST?”

When everything starts falling apart all around you, take a moment and think of your normal response. What do you do? Your initial response will tell an awful lot about the source of your trust. Do you sit down and make a pros and cons list? Do you call your best friend? Do you talk to your pastor? Do you start a spreadsheet and work on a plan?

Or – do you take time to pray and open God’s Word?

We are only a few days into 2023 and already I have encountered numerous challenges in my personal life and the lives of my family members. Life doesn’t take a day off while we put away the Christmas decorations and hope for a better year. Life comes screaming forward – full steam ahead. I began this year by asking the Lord for a word for the New Year. And, I must remember that I need to do that every day going forward.

The words of the Psalmist came to my heart today in my moment of prayer and meditation as I pondered over God’s Word.

• “The words of the Lord are pure words; Like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, filtered seven times.”

God’s Word, His wisdom, counsel, and understanding, are unlike any other that we might receive. They are pure words. The Psalmist goes on to say that they are like silver that is refined in the furnace – seven times. Refining takes out the impurities in the metal. The more refined, the more valuable the metal. In the Bible seven is the number of God, the number of perfection. The silver that is refined seven times is complete without any impurity.

What does this mean practically? Any advice that I might give, or that someone might give me, is always tainted with some impurities. This does not mean that it is intended to be faulty advice. Rather, it is the reality of one broken sinner advising another broken sinner. My understanding and perception of a problem are limited. God’s is unlimited. He sees our beginning from our end. His words are true, holy, pure, and for our benefit.

The only counsel that I can give or receive that is free from impurities is the pure Word of God. In the reality of life when everything is weighed out and tested, the only thing that will endure is the unchangeable, unalterable, unfailing, pure Word of God!

• “The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.” Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭8‬ ‭NASB

So – “Who am I gonna trust?” I am going to trust in the pure words of the Lord, like silver refined in a furnace seven times. I am going to make it my first step when I face trials and adversities in life to stop, pray, and seek God’s Word. I am going to stop asking people – “What do you think?” and start asking them,

“Do you have any insight from God’s Word that will speak to my situation?”

Lord, grant me the grace to slow down. Help me to be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to action. Let me hear the still small voice of Your Spirit, speaking through Your Word – “This is the way, walk in it!” Help me live my life in the pathway of Your pure words.”

In Jesus’ Name!