The words of the LORD are pure words. —Psalm 12:6a

Operation USA

Do you believe that America is in spiritual decline? Are you sickened by the moral depravity of the culture? Does the character of those currently being exalted to high office scare you? (Or are you wondering what some folks are so concerned about? Read on!) How did we get here, and what can we do about it?

As always, the Bible has the answer.

Early in the book of Psalms, we find a picture of the nation of Israel at a very similar time. The godly were languishing. Wickedness was rife. The LORD’s chosen leader for the people, David, a man after His own heart, was being rejected by those who God had anointed him to deliver. Ignoring God’s promises of blessing and salvation to those who trust and follow him, the people were taking their own counsel to rid themselves of oppression. As a result, the things through which God had promised to bring his deliverance were in danger of being destroyed.

But yet there was hope. One man, king David, stood in the gap. He had been persecuted and forced to flee from his throne, even by his own son. But God delivered him and promised him that he would be delivered from all of his enemies. David was safe, his eternal peace and freedom from oppression secure. But what would become of the kingdom upon his death? He had only a short time to find a way to insure that the kingdom would be safely handed down to the next generations. But how could the peace of the kingdom be maintained when the people were turning their back on David’s seed—and on the One who had promised to one day bring forth the Savior from among that seed?

The very foundations of salvation and deliverance were in jeopardy. So David did what he had done when he was in distress: he cried out to God for help, for an end of oppression, and the deliverance of the people.

And God answered David with his words.

Now will I arise, saith the LORD, I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him. The words of the LORD are pure words, as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever. —Psalm 12:5-7

God provided his own words as a means to set the poor and needy in safety, and keep them from being dragged away from the hope of his salvation by the words of wicked men. He provided his pure words, which would purify the hearts of the people. And through those words the godly would be kept and preserved to all generations.

The pure words of God are always vital to the church. But today in America they are needed now more than ever. And unfortunately few seem to understand how important that ministry of God’s word is, or its relevance to today’s culture. The purpose of The Psalms Project is to remind the church of these things, and restore godliness to it through the power of the words of the LORD.

If you would like to learn more, you can listen to a series of messages on the Psalms here. You can also use the form in the sidebar to subscribe to our blog, so you can be updated as this project unfolds. Thank you, and God bless.