Man, I'm loving these Psalms so much that I'm having a tough time wanting to more on to the next book haha. We almost have a majority in the voting and we'll probably start the next book on Thursday.
This one led me on at first because verse 1 reminded me so much of Psalm 3, but then verse 2 knew exactly what to say to really convict me on my sinfulness in a number of different aspects. It talks about our love for vain words which hit hard at my pride and desire for approval especially when it follows the first part of that verse that said "how long shall my name be turned into shame?" As tough as it is to face, we are doing just that. I am shaming the name of the Lord when I know his promises but still seek acknowledgements and approval elsewhere. I am instead saying that I desire the approval of lying, sinful people over the eternal love of the perfect creator who made me exactly according to his plan and for his purposes. This was definitely a realization that I needed to hear today because often I really am shaming the name of the Lord in my actions and I thank him for putting this realization on my heart and pray that I can be more aware of it in my life.
A psalm of sleep, perhaps. Verse 4: "When you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent." Verse 8: "I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." Also, a psalm of joy. Verse 7: "You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound." This is an upbeat psalm, and for that I am grateful on this day. We are reminded that we are set apart and loved by the King, provided for and looked after. May we seek the good things of the Kingdom and love and serve our Lord.
ReplyDeleteA psalm about trust in God and how He works wonders for the faithful and the godly. Verse 4 stands out to me because it reminds us that it is okay to become angry as long as that does not lead to sin. Ephesians 4: 26 echoes this by saying "Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger." Doing this can lead to holding grudges and therefore to the actual sin of wrath.
ReplyDeleteBy offering what is right to the Lord and trusting in Him we will find more joy than any earthly pleasure and more safety than any earthly assurance.
"How long will you people mock my honor, love what is worthless, chase after lies?"
ReplyDeletePsalm 4:3
This is a cry that I cry out internally from time to time if I'm truly honest with myself. I can sometimes get so frustrated with those who are chasing after lies and loving in worthless ways by loving materials or money, or whatnot. As a man that has tried my hardest to be a good role model for my younger brother, so that he could see that there were options ahead of him, into college, etc. that would not lead to a drop in his faith or an abandonment of the Church, I have had my fair share of mocking and I have seen people love money, love food, love alcohol, love sleep, love parties, love sports, love girls, etc. more than they love Christ. I've seen people chase after lies of this world saying that they aren't good enough, that they can't be loved, that they can't succeed, that they're ugly, they're unwanted, they can't be trusted, they can't change, etc...
I'm not saying that I've never chased a lie like that, or that I have never loved wrongfully, or that I have never mocked another... But I am glad to say that upon trusting the Lord and accepting blessings and opportunities in my life, that I have come to a better understanding of these lies and that I can recognize them better. We have to know and trust that God can change us, that he can perfect us, that he can protect us, and that he loves us.
"There are many who say, 'Who will show us some good? Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord!' You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound." Psalms 4:6-7
ReplyDeleteThis was a great reminder to me of where I look for goodness in the world. God is the ultimate source of good, and nothing good comes apart from God. Though the world may claim that there is good to be found in grain, wine, and whatever other things seem pleasurable at the time, David reminds us that nothing comes close to the joy of the Lord. This is quite an incredible truth. We can rest assured that there is no greater source of good than our God, and He never fails to bring us joy.
This chapter shows some of the attributes of our God: "you have given me relief when I was in distress," "But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him," "Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the Lord," "You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine bound." (Psalms 4:1, 3, 5, & 7). These verses just show that God wants us to ask and wants to hear our prayers because He genuinely cares. He is trustworthy, caring, and a great provider of all things. As I struggle with school and whatnot, this chapter was very comforting and assured me that I have a great father who watches over me and everyone who believes in him.
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