“Teaching Trust”
What is the title of this Psalm 4?
To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.
These were songs sung in worship. They were part of church from the OT. We continue that same faith today, now knowing "more of the story", namely, Christ.
READ and DISCUSS Bonhoeffer, Psalms: The Prayer Book of the Bible, “Names, Music, Verse Form”
Read Psalm 4:1
1Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have created a space for me/ relieved me when in distress. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!
How does David pray?
With confidence – answer me!, hear me!, These are imperatives. (He knows God will!)
Read Psalm 4:2-3
2Sons of men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame? How long will you (all) love vanity and How long will you (all) seek after a lie? Selah
3But know that YHWH set apart the faithful (Chesed!) for himself; YHWH hears when I call to him.
3But know that YHWH set apart the faithful (Chesed!) for himself; YHWH hears when I call to him.
What is David’s prayer?
(1)A Lament - How long? Is a classic cry to God. The sons of man have it wrong.
WHO are these "sons of men"? These are the people right in front of him, part of his faith, part of Israel. Recall the many times the people of God began down the wrong path...
(2) A Reminder – YHWH set apart the people of his CHESED. This means YHWH hears David - “the faithful”.
*CHESED is steadfast love, overbounding mercy – God’s great commitment to his people, and our commitment pales in comparison.
Read 4:4-5
4 Be angry/excited, but do not sin; ponder/speak in your own hearts on your beds, but be silent. Selah
5Sacrifice a sacrifice of righteousness, and trust in YHWH.
5Sacrifice a sacrifice of righteousness, and trust in YHWH.
What is the psalmist’s advice?
(This is advice to the Sons:) Anger is reality – don’t sin. Worry is reality – don’t show it.
The things you DO, these are your sacrifices.
SO a "right sacrifice"(or prayer, or life) LOOKS like trust in YHWH.
Read Psalm 4:6-8
6There are many who say, "Who will show us some good? Lift up the light of your face upon us, YHWH!"
7You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.
7You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.
8In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone YHWH, cause me/make me dwell in safety.
Where is David’s “good” found?
The Many (outside) will call on the Good of YHWH to be shown = give us blessings, give us a sign.
BUT Psalmist has joy and peace – EVEN more than the best blessings they could have!
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR ME?
What is the purpose of this Psalm/prayer?
This is teaching sons of man. Reminding them of the comfort & peace in being set apart by YHWH
This is teaching sons of man. Reminding them of the comfort & peace in being set apart by YHWH
How did Christ pray this psalm?
Christ teaches his disciples what a life of trust looks like - Matthew 6:25 (birds of the air)
How long? in v.2 Christ’s laments about his people.
The quiet passion. in v.4-5, Christ was THE right sacrifice.
How can we pray this?
Be repentant - we love vanity & seek lies. We know we need to be taught.
LEARN to take comfort in YHWH alone. Christ's actions and words to his Father teach us about our relationship with our Father through Christ.
Thy kingdom come.
What does this mean? The kingdom of God
How is this done? When our heavenly Father gives us His Holy Spirit, so that by His grace we believe His holy Word and lead a godly life here in time and yonder in eternity.
I like being reminded that as we pray what God's told us to, He's already saying yes (daily bread, salvation). I like reminding Alayna of this when we're praying for forgiveness of sins in our evening prayer.
ReplyDeleteVerses 4-5 are anti-Facebook. I am oftentimes tempted to make my own pictures that say things like, "My life is so much harder than yours. Pity me or you're worthless." Somehow, I don't think that would build up, either, so I end up scrolling by.
Being in a place with very little storage ANYWHERE has made me re-examine our materialistic side. There are still things I miss that are in long-term storage, but there are things we brought that I realize we don't need. Having the things we do need, namely God's Word, are so comforting.