Psalm 4

A David Psalm

¹ When I call, give me answers. God, take my side! Once, in a tight place, you gave me room;
   Now I’m in trouble again: grace me! hear me!
² You rabble—how long do I put up with your scorn?
   How long will you lust after lies?
   How long will you live crazed by illusion?
³ Look at this: look
   Who got picked by God!
   He listens the split second I call to him.
^4-5 Complain if you must, but don’t lash out.
   Keep your mouth shut, and let your heart do the talking.
   Build your case before God and wait for his verdict.
^6-7 Why is everyone hungry for more? “More, more,” they say.
   “More, more.”
   I have God’s more-than-enough,
   More joy in one ordinary day
^7-8 Than they get in all their shopping sprees.
   At day’s end I’m ready for sound sleep,
   For you, God, have put my life back together.

Psalm 4

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David.

¹ Answer me when I call to you,
       O my righteous God.
       Give me relief from my distress;
       be merciful to me and hear my prayer.

² How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame  ?
       How long will you love delusions and seek false gods ?
       Selah

³ Know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself;
       the LORD will hear when I call to him.

⁴ In your anger do not sin;
       when you are on your beds,
       search your hearts and be silent.
       Selah

⁵ Offer right sacrifices
       and trust in the LORD.

⁶ Many are asking, “Who can show us any good?”
       Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD.

⁷ You have filled my heart with greater joy
       than when their grain and new wine abound.

⁸ I will lie down and sleep in peace,
       for you alone, O LORD,
       make me dwell in safety.

Today is the 4th of July, which around the world means the fourth day of July.

Here in America, however, it is a day of celebration- Independence Day.

I chose the passage for today because it is the fourth Psalm and because it seems rather appropriate for the place we are in as individuals- spiritually, physically, and financially. 

I am an American and I love my country, but unlike many Christians here, I do not believe we are especially blessed as a country because of our beliefs.  We have a very large and diverse country with many raw materials and inventive and intelligent people that have carved success financially and a government that has promoted a way of life that ensures certain freedoms for its citizens.  We have done well in many ways.

But I believe that God’s blessing of a nation was meant for one nation- the nation of Israel, who was called to be God’s servant.  They were formed and guided to become the people of God and the background for God’s true blessing for the peoples of the world, Jesus Christ.  Israel was groomed to become the servant of God that He used to bring forth the Son of God.  They were blessed by that commitment and  His interaction on their behalf. 

Some of those same principles of blessing still apply today, but not in the same way or for the same purpose. 

God deals with us as individuals, not as nations.  We have a personal relationship with Him through Jesus Christ.  And today’s Psalm speaks to that individual choice of choosing to trust in God as our source of joy and sufficiency.

Our dependence is on Him.  He alone is our safety and our strength.

Our celebration as individuals is in our salvation through our Lord, Jesus Christ.  My celebration is in that relationship- that dependent relationship that brings me freedom as I find myself better fitted each day to be His servant- His bond servant.

Because truly, He has “put my life back together.”

and He has given me “God’s more-than-enough”!

Psalm 8

For the director of music.

A psalm of David.

¹ O LORD, our Lord,
       how majestic is your name in all the earth!
       You have set your glory
       above the heavens.

² From the lips of children and infants
       you have ordained praise
       because of your enemies,
       to silence the foe and the avenger.

³ When I consider your heavens,
       the work of your fingers,
       the moon and the stars,
       which you have set in place,

⁴ what is man that you are mindful of him,
       the son of man that you care for him?

⁵ You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
       and crowned him with glory and honor.

⁶ You made him ruler over the works of your hands;
       you put everything under his feet:

⁷ all flocks and herds,
       and the beasts of the field,

⁸ the birds of the air,
       and the fish of the sea,
       all that swim the paths of the seas.

⁹ O LORD, our Lord,
       how majestic is your name in all the earth!

I love this psalm.  It is filled with praise and love and the songs of joy from the lips of children. 

It helps us identify our place in the universe and speaks of God’s abiding love for us.

And it fills my heart with joy to read and sing it, today.

“Oh LORD, our Lord,

   how majestic is your name in all the earth.”

Psalm 61

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. Of David.

¹ Hear my cry, O God;
       listen to my prayer.

² From the ends of the earth I call to you,
       I call as my heart grows faint;
       lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

³ For you have been my refuge,
       a strong tower against the foe.

⁴ I long to dwell in your tent forever
       and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.
       Selah

⁵ For you have heard my vows, O God;
       you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.

⁶ Increase the days of the king’s life,
       his years for many generations.

⁷ May he be enthroned in God’s presence forever;
       appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him.

⁸ Then will I ever sing praise to your name
       and fulfill my vows day after day.

I had the feast in the presence today.  I’d been planning it all last week- making up recipes when I couldn’t find one- tasting, testing and creating wonderful foods.

I didn’t invite enemies.  I don’t know my enemies that well.  I don’t know my enemies at all, really.  So, I invited friends who were happy to come and eat and discuss and share in the meal.

But doesn’t David remind you of yourself?  I do this all the time- waiver between a place of confidence and faith and a heart that grows faint.  One moment I’m really trusting and secure and the next doubt sets in and suddenly the world is a fearful place.

And then I call out for assurance and prolonged protection.  Preserve me, Oh LORD!  And then I will sing praise to your name.

I am of the tribe of Wishy- Washies.