Psalm 4
Sunday, 26 November 2023
“Many are saying, “Oh, that we might see some good!” Lift up the light of Your face upon us, O LORD.” -Psalm 4:6 [AMP]
A child of the living God has hope as an anchor even in the troubled times of the world we live in today- that’s exactly what David conveys in the Psalm today. Many are longing to see some good days amid the turmoil all around them—but we need to understand that it is only in God we can find relief, reliance and rest to tide over our days on this earth.
Relief (Vs1): In distress, the Psalmist confidently cried out to the Lord. And he found relief! God’s child experience God’s mercy and grace in every circumstance- whether it is for those times he has fallen and grieved his Father or those trouble times he can’t handle on his own and falls back into his Father’s arms! Its at such times he finds all the props of the world have failed and he can only find his relief in calling out to the One who will hear and answer.
Reliance (Vs2,3,5): There are times when you face false accusations, you are wronged and broken when people try to ruin your reputation. How do you hold on? We have the finest example in Christ: “He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.” (1 Peter 2:23 NLT). It is for us keep on TRUSTING God and live pleasing to Him until He acts. 1 Peter 3:16[NLT] says, “…Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.” Remember the Lord has set apart the godly for Himself! (V3). Let the Lord be your defense!
Rest (Vs 4, 6-8): It is easy to get agitated when we are provoked. Most often we are quick to get angry; but we are not to sin in our anger. Vs 4[NLT] says, “Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent.” If we let anger get the better of us, we will surely sin. But if we allow ourselves to stay calm, not vent out our anger and meditate while we are still in God’s presence, His peace will rest in us. At such times the Lord’s joy will flood our lives as the light of His face is on us such that we can hope in His goodness. The we can confidently say, “O my soul, you have said to the LORD, “You are my Lord, My goodness is nothing apart from You.” (Psalm 16:2) Besides when our hearts are at rest in God, knowing His safety and comfort, then we are assured of a peaceful sleep too.
Friend are you disturbed in your heart or troubled by various circumstances outside your control? There is hope for you today- its found in your trust in Christ- only in Him can you find the peace that passes all understanding. In Him you will find rest knowing that you can rely on Him to see you through your rough rides and those fretful situations. May you find your calm and quietness in Christ amid the turmoil and His voice saying: “Be still, and know that I am God!” (Psalm 46:10) Quiet your soul in God!
Prayer: “Lord Jesus, may my soul find its quietness in You, knowing that You work all things together for good in my life. Amen”
Listen: 'Be still my soul'
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