Read chapter in full: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Psalms+004
Psalm 4 (ESV)
1 Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!
You have given me relief when I was in distress.
Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!
2 O men how long shall my honor be turned into shame?
How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah
3 But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself;
the Lord hears when I call to him.
4 Be angry, and do not sin;
ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah
5 Offer right sacrifices,
and put your trust in the Lord.
6 There are many who say, “Who will show us some good?
Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord!”
7 You have put more joy in my heart
than they have when their grain and wine abound.
8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep;
for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
REFLECTION:
- David’s followers looked at surrounding troubles and despaired. David, however, looked up and found a source of joy in the knowledge that God’s face was turned toward him. The image of God’s face “shining on” a person means to look with favour; to look with the intent to do good for them.
- Read this psalm a couple more times, asking: What is my biggest source of stress? Where lies my confidence?
- Memorize verses 7-8. Tonight and every night before going to bed, recite this passage as a thanksgiving to God. Learn to let go of all your worries and burdens joyfully at the end of the day and rest in God’s abundant and protective care.
PRAYER:
Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what He wants to tell you. Then write down any thought and/or prayer in your spiritual journal.
HYMN:
When I Call – www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTJcnuGMyr0
