verticallife

“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. How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?” Psalm 4:1-2

Just a little reminder: David was a husband, a father, a commander-king. As all kings did, they listened and gave their judgments when people came to them to act on their behalf. He was a pretty busy man. There were battles to be fought, and decisions to be made.

Sometimes those responsibilities caused much stress… and distress. When we read his words, he was facing the reality and pressures of every day life – as a family man and as a leader.

Distress. Great pain. Anxiety. Sorrow. Acute mental suffering. Affliction. Trouble.

 As he faced his fears and piloted his way through pain, he knew he had a God who would hear him in his trouble. These were not just words of an ideological man. In the past when he called out to God, God did give him relief from the stresses of life. When he wrote, he penned these passages from his past experiences. He wasn’t simply hoping God would act. He knew He would. “The LORD will hear when I call to him.” He will. He does. Then David added something Paul would later quote: “In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Selah” (Psalm 4:3-4)

PAUSEselah: David teaches us to “offer the right sacrifices and trust in the LORD.” While “many are asking, ‘Who can show us any good?’, Pray this prayer, “Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD. You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:5-8)