Today’s reading:  Psalm 4 and 1 Thes. 4:13-18

I am so grateful for God’s Word, and especially that we can run to the Psalms as a guide for us to enhance our prayer life, our worship and praise to our Heavenly Father. Whatever need we may have, here we find the “right” and powerful words to express our heartfelt thoughts to God!

In this Psalm David has the assurance that he can boldly and confidently come to God and express his troubles and fears (4:1-2), and he reminds himself:

 -The Lord set apart the godly for himself. 

He continues on, with a deep meditation: (4:4-5)

“ Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent. Interlude  -Offer sacrifices in the right spirit, and trust the Lord.”

With all the ungodliness and enemies around him, David had many reasons to be angry and even frustrated, but he decided in his heart that he had no reason to sin. He reminded himself to not sin in his anger, and to find a refuge and His peace through meditation before the LORD.

Many of us during our day to day also have challenges to face; trials, doubts and ungodliness around us (enemies), just like David. But at the end of the day as he meditated on his bed he had decided he could fully surrender it ALL, even his own self as a living sacrifice into God’s care! (Romans 12:1-2)

At the end of this Psalm, David could confidently express:

    Let your face smile on us, Lord.

⁷ You have given me greater joy

    than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine.

⁸ In peace I will lie down and sleep,

    for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.” (4:6-8 NLT)

Even though his life was not perfect, and sometimes doubt would cross his mind, he would immediately remember ALL of God’s blessings in his life, and this would bring back the joy, peace and confidence in his heart! His God was a place of safety and rest!

So let me ask you:

- What challenges are you going through right now that you are trying to “fight” on your own? Which are the thoughts you are focusing on? Are they taking away your sleep?

Dear Heavenly Father:

You know exactly all our troubles and we want to come to your throne of Grace (Heb. 4:16) with a childlike faith, confessing each one of our cares and doubts. Thank you for setting us apart for yourself and for assuring us that you will answer us when we call on you (4:3) and all of this through the Saving Sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ! Who promised that He would give us rest (Matt. 11:28) taking all our burdens! Thank you Father for you promised to never leave us nor forsake us, now and through eternity! (Heb.13:5b-6) In Jesus Name we pray. Amen!

Blessings,

Mari