Psalm 4 (NRSV)
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Verse 1Answer 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.
Verse 2How long, you people, shall my honor suffer shame? How long will you love vain words, and seek after lies? Selah
Verse 3But know that the Lord has set apart the faithful for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him.
Verse 4When you are disturbed, do not sin; ponder it on your beds, and be silent. Selah
Verse 5Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the Lord.
Verse 6There are many who say, "O that we might see some good! Let the light of your face shine on us, O Lord!"
Verse 7You have put gladness in my heart more than when their grain and wine abound.
Verse 8I will both lie down and sleep in peace; for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.
Devotion
There is a joy and peace that comes from trusting in God. This joy is not dependent on circumstances that come from outside of us. We can’t conjure up this gladness. It is God who puts “gladness in my heart,” a gift that comes from being in God’s presence and enjoying a relationship with God. At times we may experience stress and difficulties, but inside we have God’s joy and peace. As Paul said in 2 Cor. 4:8-9, “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.”
Prayer
Lord, bless us with your presence and give us your gladness and peace in the midst of our challenges today. Amen.