Pray. Trust. Rest.

Answer me when I call to you,
    my righteous God.
Give me relief from my distress;
    have mercy on me and hear my prayer. Psalm 4:1

What are you facing today? No matter how icy the waters seem, hold onto God.  Don’t let

go and fall into fear, worry or doubt.  God is faithful and righteous. He hears our prayers and is merciful in His answers.

How long will you people turn my glory into shame?
    How long will you love delusions and seek false gods? vs. 2

In this Psalm, it is thought that King David is fleeing from his son Absalom. This appeal is most likely aimed at those who are with Absalom and not submitting to him as king.

In this picture we can see our relationship with God.  Is God being glorified right now in what we are doing? Comfortable, convenient circumstances, in the end – don’t matter.  The only thing that will matter is if – in the yucky, painful moments, are you clinging to God? Is He being glorified in your attitude, actions and words?

Cling to anything else and it will fail you.  Your efforts? Your friends? Food? Entertainment? Running? Shopping? They are all pseudo-gods, trying to fill your needs when there is only One who can.  

Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself;
    the Lord hears when I call to him. vs. 3

God is the real deal.  We are His children and He cares for us as a parent would, tenderly and lovingly. Just like David, we can be confident God hears us.

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. vs. 4-5

When you are scared out of your wits – don’t let your mind go wild with scenarios. Be silent. Trust God. Tell Him how much you trust Him and His ways. Lay down your will, your desires and submit to your Creator.  Don’t deny your fear, but use those long hours of the night to quietly pray and rest in your Savior’s love and hope.

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. vs. 6-7

Counter fear with prayer! Here we see King David seeking joy and God’s glory and looking with hope for God’s deliverance and blessing for himself and those around him.

In peace I will lie down and sleep,
    for you alone, Lord,
    make me dwell in safety. vs. 8

David knew joy and peace came from God alone and was possible in the most difficult of times. Even if his circumstances didn’t change, he ran in prayer to the one who could comfort and strengthen him.