Psalm 116:10-11
I believed, even when I spoke:
“I am greatly afflicted”;
11 I said in my alarm,
“All mankind are liars.”
There is a phrase that goes, “Never meet your heroes.” It is sound. In looking at this psalm, we can add to that, never believe your heroes. I myself have been burned by those men whom I trusted, quoting them in sermons, only to then hope no one remembers I quoted them and just remember the message of the text. The psalmist has the right idea for avoiding the pitfall I fell into. He trusts in the LORD and in the fact that all men are liars, including himself. The affliction of the psalmist is apparent, as is the lack of empathy from his fellow man. Humility is key to this. It helps us trust in Christ alone, not ourselves, and it prevents us from despair in our affliction and judging others in theirs. Paul quoted this to the church in Corinth to turn their eyes to Christ.
One of the “heroes” that recently fell, had, a few months before, criticized another hero in his affliction because for his questionable judgment, only to be brought down by his own immorality. It may seem cynical to say that all men are liars but if it turns our eyes to Jesus in our affliction instead of a celebrity pastor of our choosing, it is good cynicism. Man lies, and Jesus Christ is the one true God. In your affliction today, whatever it may be, look up, not online. Believe God and speak words of worship to him today.
O Heavenly Father, you are the one true God and your word is truth. May we look to your word for comfort in our affliction instead of liars. In Jesus’ name. Amen.