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by Sandy Shaw
In Psalm 4, we read these words of a chosen anointed man of God who knows what it is to experience distress and worse. David is in real trouble. This is a distressing time in David's life. He has this most serious problem and he cries to God. He calls for help and for relief.
Answers in the past encourage us to call out for help in the future.
David the king relies on the righteousness of God - not anything worthy within his own life.
Man has always needed the help of God.
The manna will fall until we cross the Jordan. Even the best of men need mercy.
Verse 2 - After speaking to God he then speaks to men, and with such courage.
"How long?" It is always a mistake to reject the godly and to speak ill of God's people, or show reproach when respect is due. David recognises these men were great and powerful, but rather unwise and foolish.
David was up against it - so was Jesus Christ – and so were Peter and Paul and all the other disciples down through the ages. Peter speaks about the trial of your faith bringing praise and honour and glory to God when Jesus appears.
David is being shaped and fashioned in the furnace. It is not a nice situation to be in. It is called The Cross - taking up your Cross.
David saw people running after what was empty and meaningless and false, and he confronts men with the truth about themselves.
How long were they going to go on living like this? They still are! How long before we see people turning to Jesus Christ and repenting and being baptised and anointed with the Holy Spirit?
Selah - sometimes we wish some people would just pause and consider and take stock and think about the future.
Verse 3 - David remains positive and true. Know that. We are set apart for God – firstly for God, then for service - then for the world. Consecration to Jesus Christ is priority.
The first question is not - What does Jesus Christ want me to do? - but - what kind of man or woman does Jesus Christ want me to be?
God saw something in David that He did not see in others. We see the same with Jesus and His Chosen men, and with Saul of Tarsus. God sees and chooses. What a comfort it is to know, especially when tempted – to know that you have been chosen and set apart for God.
He Who chose you will hear your prayer when you call unto Him. When you are praying the very thought that He has chosen you should inspire us.
Verse 4 - Do not sin - search your heart - look into your heart - examine your life - and be careful what you say. Sometimes it is better to say nothing and remain silent. Unresolved anger can do a person serious harm - forgive!
Verse 5 - Offer right sacrifices, and trust in the Lord. Our part is to trust Him.
Romans Chapter 12 is so relevant. Never allow faith to turn to fear - or hope to despair.
Verse 6 - Are not people looking for some good in the world - in their lives - something good to happen? They may not know exactly what they are looking for or expecting, but our task is to reveal the goodness and mercy and love of Jesus Christ. That is the only real goodness that will do any lasting good.
What are peoples' hearts crying out for - perhaps in silence?
David is praying that the light of God will shine.
Verse 7 - David is able to give a word of testimony as to what the Lord God has given to him, in midst of all his trials and tribulations, and it is greater and better than material wealth and riches. That is to be preferred to an abundant harvest. Your joy in my heart is better than grain in the barn and wine in the vat.
In the midst of the storm David is able to stand. There is a joy and he knows that he will be protected even when facing the most violent opposition.
Verse 8 - The Lord Who is the Good Shepherd enables His chosen man to lie down and sleep in peace.
In a troubled world - a world with all kinds of troubles - it is God alone who gives us refreshing sleep.
"Don't count sheep - talk to the Shepherd." There is a reassuring word of safety and security here, and its source is God.
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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