I’ve always been a news hound. I took the newspaper wherever I lived, and enjoyed perusing sports and politics over a cup of coffee. Now I read the news in digital form, which allows for multiple sources but removes the pleasure of newsprint spread across the table. Times changes, but those who read and make the news do not.

Much of what hits the pages of my newsfeed consists of little more than opinion and posturing. Politician’s bombastic pronouncements, or entertainer’s cooing seductions make up a chunk of any day’s stories. I’m pitched a version of events that may or may not be true. As a consumer I must look below the veneer to discern what’s truly going on.

All personalities, be they politicians or entertainers or media members or business tycoons or our next door neighbor polish their appearance. I do the same, hoping to present to the world my best face and gain recognition as someone better than who I actually am.

As a king, David endured such posturing on a daily basis. Everyone wanted his ear, and hoped to gain privilege from his power. But David saw through the facade when he wrote: Those of low estate are but a breath; those of high estate are a delusion; in the balances they go up; they are together lighter than a breath.

Those of low estate are the crowds who cried Hosanna! one day and Crucify him! the next. Social media audiences sway with the wind. Bits and bytes in cyberspace don’t weigh anything at all. Those of high estate—experts, royalty and holders of immense wealth—may be worse off. Living with the delusion of significance, they misunderstand how their self-perceived cunning wafts away like smoke in the breeze.

Where to turn instead? David, the ultimate influencer of his day, revealed this secret: For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken...Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God, and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love.

Power belongs to God, and with this power comes loyal, determined love. Nowhere else in this world can such a promise be found. I find myself far better off when I wait in silence for the Lord, understanding Him as the source of life. All else fails. No matter what I read across multiple platforms, the wisdom of an ancient king stands—He alone is our rock and our salvation.

Psalm 62

Photo by Celine Ylmz