The Goodness of God
Opening Prayer
Pray and ask God to make you aware of his presence, to show you again how much he loves you.
Read Psalm 4:1-8
[1] For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David. Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer. [2] How long will you people turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods? [3] Know that the LORD has set apart his faithful servant for himself; the LORD hears when I call to him. [4] Tremble and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. [5] Offer the sacrifices of the righteous and trust in the LORD. [6] Many, LORD, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?” Let the light of your face shine on us. [7] Fill my heart with joy when their grain and new wine abound. [8] In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What counsel and assurance does the Psalmist give here?Today we turn again to David in his distress. In this psalm his cry is not only about physical safety, but about the rightness of life with God as opposed to the depravity of false gods (2). David celebrates God’s righteousness and faithfulness while grieving for a world where people reject God as they cry out, “Who will give us anything good?” (6). Maybe you empathize with David. Many in our culture reject God and, yet, with relationships breaking down, so much sickness and poverty, people everywhere are asking, “Who will give us anything good?” We can be drawn into the worry and fear of our world but we must cling to God and say with David: “you have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound” (7). In God there is more joy than the world can give, even when things go well. You may be feeling unsure of God’s goodness today. Maybe the issues of life are causing you to fear and despair. If so, you can pray honestly to God as David did (1) and rest in his caring response (8).
Apply
Say this psalm out loud as your prayer. Pray that others would see God’s love in you today.
Closing prayer
Lord, may I rest in the promise of Your loving care and show Your love to someone who needs it today.
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