The Story of Psalm 4, Part IV

Today's Three-minute Bible Study
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Title: The Story of Psalm 4, Part IV ------------------- Date: 7/17/2002
Keywords: "distress" "prayer" "problem" "struggle"
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Passage: Psalm 4* (Focus on verse 6)

1. Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; be gracious to me and hear my prayer.

2. Sons of men, how long will my honor become a reproach? How long will you love what is worthless and aim at deception? Selah.

3. But know that the LORD has set apart the godly man for himself; the LORD hears when I call to him.

4. Tremble, and do not sin; meditate in you heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.

5. Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and trust in the LORD.

6. Many are saying, "Who will show us any good?" Lift up the light of your countenance upon us, O LORD!

7. You have put gladness in my heart, more than when their grain and new wine abound.

8. In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for you alone, O LORD, make me to dwell in safety.

Questions

1. Is your life dark and dreary more than it is light and sunny?

 

2. Is your attitude like that of those quoted in verse 6?

 

Practical help

This is the fourth out of six studies on Psalm 4. Earlier we considered the fact that the righteous life will be opposed. Part of this opposition will be by those who enjoy sinning and have no desire to please God or anyone other than themselves. But that isn’t the whole story. If it were, it would be easy to look down on those in addiction, especially those trapped in addictions you have overcome.

When you take a stand against pornography, even if it is to just to quietly walk away from it in your own life, you can be sure some people will take notice. This is because you will have become what Jesus described as "salt" to the world (Matthew 5:13). Salt makes people thirsty. The statement in verse 6, "Who will show us any good?" is what I would consider a thirsty statement. By your life, you can draw people to seek liberty from addiction and life with your God.

I love the request, "Lift up the light of your countenance upon us, O LORD! What he is asking God to do is smile at us. It’s like a child desiring his dad or mom to smile at him or her in approval. One day, you will see God face to face. If you know him as your friend, then you are looking forward to seeing his grin as he declares, "Well done! Welcome home! Let the party begin!"

Hold on and resist temptation. It’s worth it!

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*"Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, © Copyright The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995. Used by permission."