Just a Little Walk with the Lord
Know that the Lord has set apart the faithful for himself; the Lord will hear when I call to him. Be angry and do not sin; reflect in your heart while on your bed and be silent.
Psalm 4:3-4 (CSB)
During our previous week focusing on laments in the Psalms, we examined Psalm 3, which David wrote while fleeing from his son Absalom. In Psalm 4, David continues his dialogue with the Lord, expressing his thoughts and emotions. This psalm offers a glimpse into David’s heart as he grapples with the anguish of his circumstances. The insights David shares offer us guidance for navigating our own moments of lament today.
Begin and End by Communicating with the Lord. David starts the Psalm by asking the Lord to respond to his heartfelt cry. Experiencing the hardships of life, he turns to the Lord for refuge and comfort. He earnestly requests the Lord to listen, as his pain is profound. As the Psalm concludes, David transitions from pleading for God's attention to longing to praise Him for providing safety. Throughout this painful journey, David remains engaged in conversation with the Lord. When God occupies a central role in our lives, we wish to connect with Him at the beginning, throughout, and at the conclusion of our experiences. We recognize the value of ongoing communication with the Lord.
The Contrast Between Believers and Non-Believers. The second verse sheds light on the challenges David faces. The exalted beings of this world, those who are elevated by societal standards, inflict suffering on David. This anguish arises because unbelievers cherish what is ultimately worthless, as their values are rooted in worldly treasures. These individuals chase after deception, becoming vulnerable to the influence of Satan, the Father of Lies. They live under falsehoods about the world, themselves, and about David. In contrast, David remains steadfast in his faith, placing his hope in God. His truth is derived from the Lord. Although he is aware of his circumstances, he chooses to trust the Lord.
Calling People to Repent. David’s heart isn’t filled with anger towards them, but rather with pain, as he longs for their genuine repentance. He doesn’t want his listeners to feel resentment; he's not judging their lives, but urging them to forsake sin and mend their relationship with the Lord. David hopes they will reflect on their lives, recognize their condition, and turn to the Lord. Today, we face the same call. We must regularly assess our lives to identify areas where we need to seek forgiveness and reconciliation.
Find Complete Joy in the Lord. David composed this Psalm during a painful time but emphasizes that he continues to find joy in the Lord. This joy stems from his relationship with God. He understands that authentic, enduring joy arises from God alone, not from people, places, events, or material things. He realizes that true joy can only be experienced through a sincere encounter with God.
QUESTIONS
What steps do you need to take to carry out a true assessment of your life and heart?
What people, places, and things attempt to steal your joy that must come only from the Lord alone?
