Psalm 2:1 and 2:12 – How Vanity Destroys Us and What To Do About It

The brutal reality of vanity.

“Why do nations rage, And the people meditate on vain things?”

Psalm 2:1

Written thousands of years ago, the same holds true today, as our world burns, so many people are consumed by vanity. Is it any wonder why Facebook, Instagram, and other social applications are so popular? Yes, they can and are used for good things, but for most it is pure vanity. Our entire popular culture glorifies vanity. Most people lives are spent pursuing “things” that appeal to and quench their vanity. The tools and technology might be different, but the core of mankind hasn’t changed much since King David composed the Psalms, we can be incredibly vain creatures.

As you relax this Sunday, ask yourself, how would I serve others? When is the last time you took a real accounting of your life, a personal confession so to speak? When is the last time you bowed your head and gave thanks?

Life is not fair, it is fire and ice, punishment and forgiveness, joy and brutality. It should be no surprise that the Bible reflects these very dichotomies and can be as difficult to understand as life itself. Life and death, that is truth. We can argue about God or no God, how God should act if there is a God, how you would have created the world if you were God. That is all meaningless. And vain.

We know what stares us in the face. It is a world of darkness and a world of light, a world of hate and a world of love. More than anything, our lives are given meaning by how we respond to these stark realities.

“Serve The Lord with fear
And rejoice in Him with trembling.
Lay hold of His instruction, lest The Lord be angry,
And you perish from the righteous way
When His fury shall be quickly kindled.
Blessed are all who trust in Him.”

Psalm 2:12