Psalm 12:5-6 English Standard Version
5 “Because the poor are plundered, because the needy groan, I will now arise,” says the Lord; “I will place him in the safety for which he longs.” 6 The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times.
As this relates to yesterday’s offering, we must look to our own behaviors to determine our condition. Do we find within ourselves a groaning behavior?
Strong’s definition of groan here is varied and could mean shrieking:—crying out, groaning, sighing. When sheep are left to feed themselves because of the neglect of their shepherds they must look to themselves and be honest with themselves about the time spent feeding on His Word.
If the Lord is leading you to green pastures, we can expect to be satisfied. If we hunger and feed ourselves without the Lord we can expect to come away unsatisfied. Even the smallest unconfessed sins have the ability to muddy the waters and hinder our spiritual insight.
2 Chronicles 29:15 English Standard Version
15 They gathered their brothers and consecrated themselves and went in as the king had commanded, by the words of the Lord, to cleanse the house of the Lord.
The good news is to be found in the gathering together and dedication of self in seeking the Lord’s Word and cleansing the house of the Lord together. It is in the sharing of our findings that clarity can be found. We do this over and over again, refining with the “furnace on the ground”. In this way the Word of the Lord shared among us helps all of us to clarify and purify our understanding.
Hebrews 2:11-12 English Standard Version
11 For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, 12 saying, “I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.”