Psalm 4

Psalm 4 (NRSV)
1 Answer me when I call, O God of my right!
You gave me room when I was in distress.
Be gracious to me, and hear my prayer.

Dear Lord,
Life is not so bad. I am surrounded by good things and good people. Life is far more good than bad and yet….

There are times when we have tried to do the right thing in the right way at the right time and we were clobbered for it. Rumors were started. Lies were told. Folk, whom we trusted, proved to be not-trustworthy…all for the love of Jesus!

Lord,I’m not claiming any kind of moral superiority. I do not pretend to spiritual perfection or even near-perfection. And you know that I am more than capable of making well-intentioned mistakes. I know my sin and I know our sin and I ask your pardon. “Answer me when I call, O God of my right!”

Lord, I am asking for more than pardon. I am seeking your blessing. I remember well other days in other places when troubles were tougher than now. You led us through.

Takes us through difficult seasons, O Lord. Be gracious.

Give God your own special needs and ask God’s blessing.
Name 5 thing for which you are grateful to God.

Amen.

2 How long, you people, shall my honor suffer shame?
How long will you love vain words, and seek after lies? Selah
3 But know that the Lord has set apart the faithful for himself;
the Lord hears when I call to him.
4 When you are disturbed,a do not sin;
ponder it on your beds, and be silent. Selah
5 Offer right sacrifices,
and put your trust in the Lord.
6 There are many who say, “O that we might see some good!
Let the light of your face shine on us, O Lord!”
7 You have put gladness in my heart
more than when their grain and wine abound.
8 I will both lie down and sleep in peace;
for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.
[1]

a Or are angry

[1] The Holy Bible : New Revised Standard Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989