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.

Lord,
Good advice, or is it a commandment? “When you are disturbed or when you are angry, do not sin.” Advice or commandment, it is easier said than done! When the emotions swirl and anger roils and fear boils, self-control is tough. That's the point of a tantrum, to let go of self-control. But, you know that. Don’t you? Of course you do.

You made us as we are. And you know that just because the saying is hard does not mean that the advice, the commandment, can be ignored. “But I was angry”, seems to be a weak excuse in your scheme of things.

Lord, I may need help with this. Instead of raging and ranting and seeking quick and feel-good revenge, the poet says to “ponder it on your beds, and be silent.” In common parlance, “Bite your lip before saying something that you’ll regret later. Just shut-up until you can think things through.”

And then, “Offer right sacrifices and put your trust in the Lord.” Does that mean, “Pray about it”? Take it to worship and offer it to God, is that your wisdom? Lord, by the time I do all of that, I won’t have much to say…which could be the point!

Lord, self-control sometimes seems to be beyond my reach. So I have to ask for help, for the help of your Spirit. As I remember it, self-control is a fruit of your Spirit, the fruit that prevents self-destruction. Give me, please, a double portion. Make me remarkably fruitful. Give me the gift and the fruit of self-control.

Ask God to bless you with the gifts of the Spirit, particularly the gift of self-control.
Ask God to bless those whom you know who need a double portion of grace.
Name 5 things for which you are grateful and say “thank you.”
In the name of Christ,
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