Saturday 4th January
Read Psalm 4
“Answer me when I call to you,
my righteous God.
Give me relief from my distress;
have mercy on me and hear my prayer.
2 How long will you people turn my glory into shame?
How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?
3 Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself;
the Lord hears when I call to him.
4 Tremble and[d] do not sin;
when you are on your beds,
search your hearts and be silent.
5 Offer the sacrifices of the righteous
and trust in the Lord.
6 Many, Lord, are asking, ‘Who will bring us prosperity?’
Let the light of your face shine on us.
7 Fill my heart with joy
when their grain and new wine abound.
8 In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, Lord,
make me dwell in safety.” (NIVUK)
Another psalm from a distressed man, this time he asks for God to hear and answer his prayer. The God who he turns to is righteous, He will hear those who are His faithful followers as has been the case in the past. Verse 2 is a little difficult to grasp; possibly this is expressing a recognition that opposition to David is challenging God’s glory and righteousness, a consequence of seeking other gods. Certainly, vs3 reinforces the very personal relationship between David and the Lord, God will hear those who seek His mercy and are faithful. The next verses give advice to those who would seek to be faithful; examine yourselves and recognise your sin, offer the sacrifice of trust in the Lord. If you do this then the light of God’s face will shine. The question of vs6 about prosperity raises the question about what has priority in our lives – this is not about possessions; this is about relationship. In that relationship we can find all we need for our wellbeing, security and joy, we can sleep in peace.
Geoff Hinch
