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.
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.

Dear Lord, when do we ever love vain words? Do we ever prefer nice words to your truth? Do we ever seek lies?

Of course! When the truth is difficult I prefer the lie. True or not, I prefer it when people confirm my prejudice and affirm my ignorance and allow me to avoid the conversion or transformation that may be necessary for my soul.

Of course! When everybody else believes the lie or the partial truth and to see the truth and speak the truth will put me out of sync with the rest of my world, I prefer the lie. When the truth leads to opposition or competition or enmity or even persecution, I prefer the lie. Forgive me. Forgive all of us. Forgive us when comfort or safety or acceptance or advancement make the lie preferable to your truth.

Lord, it sometimes takes massive courage to face lies and mistakes and misdeeds, grace that comes only from your Spirit. It’s only in the certainty of forgiveness that I can confess sin. Grant me your Spirit, O God.

Ask God for the forgiveness that you need.
Pray for others who need God's grace in special ways.
Name 5 things for which you are grateful and say "Thank you" to God.
Amen



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