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”!
Heidi, I agree with what you wrote. However, it is hard to think that God has not blessed this country. I’m just thankful that God has called the ones I love to be His. To be a servant of God is a blessing.
Cynthia, I do believe that God has blessed our country! I believe He has blessed MANY countries- just not in the same way as Israel was blessed. I don’t think all the Bible verses meant for Israel can be used when speaking of the USA, and that is precisely what many American Christians imply with the nationalistic sermons and beliefs that they share.
I think that this is short sighted and arrogant and offends the rest of the world, and rightly so.
Since the advent of Jesus coming in human form and the offer of salvation through His blood offering, God deals with individuals on a basis of accountability and reward and blessings.
The nation of Israel paid for David’s sin, when as king he numbered the people- it was a different relationship between God and Israel.
I agree with you.