What actions can Christians take when "the wicked wander freely"? A sobering headline “ ‘The wicked wander freely, and vileness is exalted among men.’ ” (Psalm 12:8) Anchor your heart in God’s unchanging character • Psalm 12 begins with the cry “Help, LORD,” reminding us to start by looking up, not around (Psalm 12:1). • Remember God’s commitment to protect His people: “I will now arise… I will place him in the safety for which he yearns” (Psalm 12:5). • Trust His sovereignty when evil seems unchecked (Psalm 97:1–2). Keep Scripture in constant view • “The words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined… seven times purified” (Psalm 12:6). • Daily reading guards the mind from the cultural sway of “vileness.” • Recommended anchors: – 2 Timothy 3:16–17—equips for “every good work.” – Psalm 119:9–11—hiding the Word in the heart keeps us from sin. Choose righteous speech amid reckless words • Psalm 12 contrasts deceitful tongues with God’s pure words. • Practical steps: – Refuse gossip and slander (Ephesians 4:29). – Speak truth in love even when unpopular (Proverbs 28:4). – Let speech display grace and clarity (Colossians 4:6). Persist in prayer without surrender • Psalm 12 shows prayer as the first response, not the last resort. • Model passages: – 1 Timothy 2:1–4—intercede for “all who are in authority.” – Luke 18:1—“they should always pray and not lose heart.” • Pray for: personal courage, the softening of hardened hearts, and the advance of the gospel. Stay close to a godly community • Isolation magnifies discouragement; fellowship stabilizes faith (Hebrews 10:24–25). • Gather to: – Encourage one another with Scripture. – Bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). – Practice corporate worship that re-centers every heart on God’s greatness. Do good—both publicly and privately • “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). • Tangible actions: – Serve the vulnerable (James 1:27). – Model ethical excellence at work and school (Matthew 5:16). – Engage civic processes—vote, speak, volunteer—in ways that honor Christ (Proverbs 31:8–9). Put on the full armor of God • Spiritual conflict underlies visible turmoil (Ephesians 6:10–18). • Daily suit-up: truth, righteousness, readiness from the gospel, faith, salvation, God’s Word, prayer. • Stand firm, knowing Christ has already secured victory (Colossians 2:15). Rest in the certainty of final justice • “For yet a little while, and the wicked will be no more” (Psalm 37:10). • God will judge every act (Ecclesiastes 12:14) and right every wrong (Revelation 20:11–15). • Hope fuels perseverance—“those who suffer according to God’s will should commit their souls to their faithful Creator and continue to do good” (1 Peter 4:19). Living the text today Even when “the wicked wander freely,” believers move forward—grounded in Scripture, guarded by prayer, gathered with the saints, and glowing with good works—confident that the Righteous Judge sees, remembers, and will soon set all things right. |
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