Murder. Tearing people down with lies. Oppression. Robbery. These are the kinds of problems David faced some 3000 years ago, and they are still the subject of too many of our modern headlines. So, what can we do about the rising crime rate?

Well, I hope we can all agree that joining in the illicit activities is a bad idea. But David goes further, saying that we shouldn’t even focus our attention on the kinds of riches that can be gained from extortion or theft (verse 10). But if we do this, if we turn away from the sort of materialism that leads some people to steal, shouldn’t we also abandon the notion that just having enough money can keep us safe and happy? Shouldn’t we stop throwing more money at our crime problem, thinking that will make it go away?

And no amount of manpower will ultimately make any difference either (verse 9). For there are never enough policemen to make everyone obey widely unpopular laws. No, the only One Who can possibly help us, even as our culture collapses all around us, is God. David is quite clear about this. After all, he doesn’t say God is one of many sources of safety for him. No, he says, that God “only” is his rock, his stronghold (verse 2). Because God alone is his source of salvation, he will wait “for God only” (verse 5). And that’s because God is his only hope.

But is that really true? Well, compare God’s power and wealth to that of even the most important or influential of people. David, after all, was a king, but even he admitted that “men of rank” didn’t really have any more ability to put an end to wickedness than a breath of air can press down a scale (verse 9). No, David knew that true “power belongs to God” (verse 11).

And how does God’s power work? Well, by His lovingkindness, His faithful, covenant-keeping, unconditional love, God can change people’s hearts, transforming even the most desperate of criminals into His loyal and obedient subjects through the grace of Christ. But God also has the power to bring perfect justice to the world, making sure that those who reject the sacrifice of Jesus receive exactly what is coming to them (verse 12).

So, I suppose we can keep on telling ourselves that just a little more money or a little more force can make everything right in this world. But doesn’t it make more sense to pray to the only One Who really has the power to change things?

Psalm 62 (NASB)

For the choir director; according to Jeduthun. A Psalm of David.
My soul waits in silence for God only; From Him is my salvation.
2 He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken.
3 How long will you assail a man, That you may murder him, all of you, Like a leaning wall, like a tottering fence?
4 They have counseled only to thrust him down from his high position; They delight in falsehood; They bless with their mouth, But inwardly they curse. Selah.
5 My soul, wait in silence for God only, For my hope is from Him.
6 He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be shaken.
7 On God my salvation and my glory rest; The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.
8 Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah.
9 Men of low degree are only vanity, and men of rank are a lie; In the balances they go up; They are together lighter than breath.
10 Do not trust in oppression, And do not vainly hope in robbery; If riches increase, do not set your heart upon them.
11 Once God has spoken; Twice I have heard this: That power belongs to God;
12 And lovingkindness is Thine, O Lord, For Thou dost recompense a man according to his work.