In God alone - we find power and love

In the verses today, David will show us a contrast. On the one hand, some people will trust in earthly things, and on the other hand, we will trust in God.

Like the two sides of the balance up there.

People of low standing are only breath, and people of rank are a lie;
In the balances they go up.
Together they are lighter than breath.
 Do not trust in oppression,
And do not vainly rely on robbery;
If wealth increases, do not set your heart on it.

 God has spoken once;
Twice I have heard this:
That power belongs to God;
 And faithfulness is Yours, Lord,
For You reward a person according to his work. (vs 9-12)

In the first part of the song, David was looking at his enemies in relation to himself; they looked plenty scary! Now he looks at them in relation to the powerful, loving God Who is our stronghold. They don't look so dangerous now, in fact, they look lighter than breath!

Let's dig in!

David tells us first that we should not trust in men, in crime, or in money.

Men of low degree? Perhaps he was thinking of thugs who might be persuaded to "knock off" his enemies for a small fee. 

Men of rank? Perhaps people who have great influence or power. 

He says don't put your hope in either one - you'd be hoping in thin air!

Most of us are probably not tempted as in verse ten, to use oppression or robbery to get out of our trials, but we might be tempted to try to use money. That's not a good option, either:

Riches do not benefit on the day of wrath,

But righteousness rescues from death. (Proverbs 11:4) 

Here is the contrast: Trust in the God of power and love; He will dispense justice to all.

The words "once" and "twice" in the psalm is a common poetic device of the ancient Hebrew writers. The scholars think that perhaps God repeated an answer, or maybe just impressed it upon David's mind to make certain that he got the message! 
Let's make sure we get the message from God on how to deal with threatening problems: first, we love and serve a powerful God. Secondly, He is loving. He will protect us, save us, and justly judge all of our enemies. Anyone who opposes God's power and resists His love will know that justice.

Satan will use these, by the way. So be careful. He will tempt us with the thought that, if God is all-powerful, why didn't He prevent this crisis? So, Satan says, are you sure that God loves you?

This is where we must grab hold of God's hand and by faith echo the words of Joseph in Genesis 50:

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. (Genesis 50:20)

By faith, we can trust in our Father, the God of power and love, knowing that He alone will save us and render justice to all.

Amen!