“1Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress;
have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.
2 How long, O you sons of men, Will you turn my glory to shame? How long will you love worthlessness and seek falsehood? Selah
3 But know that the Lord has set apart for Himself him who is godly; the Lord will hear when I call to Him.
4 Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Selah
5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord.
6 There are many who say, “Who will show us any good?” Lord, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us.
7 You have put gladness in my heart, more than in the season that their grain and wine increased.
8 I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
Psalm 4
God of my righteousness,
David had a full life both as a working boy: shepherd and musician and giant slayer. He had an unexpected life as an adult: as a King, an adulterer, a wanted refugee, a returning King who had failed to discipline his sons. He learned through hard experience.
Sometimes we know Your Spirit within us because as we read a Psalm a different part of it speaks to us, at a different time, and we wonder why we had not noticed it before! It is You getting our attention. Like this Psalm and verse 4 for me today – which reflects something Paul also says in Ephesians 4:26 “Be angry, and do not sin: do not let the sun go down on your wrath.”
And David inserts a Selah for our attention here! Someone once said to me that Selah is like a take a pause button. Its a command to stop and think about that! Yes be angry. Sometimes anger is our response whether righteous or just human. But old and new testaments tell us to meditate upon it before we sleep and get rid of it and find Your stillness and peace. Stop and think about that! How much better will we feel. And if actions are needed, or words to be said, they will be out of a place of calm and not anger and wrath. If we meditate upon it, it will be brought before and You can take over judgement from us And we who have been forgiven much can forgive with Your help. It is not always easy Lord . . .
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Friday 16th May 2025
Yes for the end of the day. And to be able to sing it at night in peace . . .
The day you gave us, Lord, is ended,
the darkness falls at your request;
to you our morning hymns ascended,
your praise shall sanctify our rest.
We thank you that your Church, unsleeping
while earth rolls onward into light,
through all the world her watch is keeping
and never rests by day or night.
As over continent and island
each dawn leads to another day,
the voice of prayer is never silent,
nor do the praises die away.
So be it, Lord! Your throne shall never,
like earth’s proud empires, pass away;
your kingdom stands and grows forever
until there dawns your glorious day.
Lyrics: John Ellerton