Christianity Oasis Forum

[cimi]

April 29
Monday


OVERCOMING
BAD NEWS

READ:
Psalm 4
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LORD, lift up the light of
Your countenance upon
us. __Psalm 4:6
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There are many who say, 'Who will show us any good?' " (Ps. 4:6). These words of David seem to describe the pessimistic outlook we so easily develop in our world today. The front page of newspapers and the top stories on the Internet or television seem to focus on crime, accidents, politics, the economy, and prominent people behaving badly. Our conversations at work and home begin to dwell on difficulties, and it's enough to discourage anyone. Where can we turn for better news?

In the midst of his troubles, David turned to the Lord, who relieved his distress (v.1) and heard his prayer (v.3). Instead of hoping for temporary good from altered circumstances, he found unceasing encouragement in God. "LORD, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us" (V.6). The result was a gladness of heart that surpassed any earthly prosperity or success (v.7).

Throughout David's life, before and after he became king of Israel, he was never without opposition. But at the end of the day, he could say, "I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety" (v.8).

Pondering the truths in Psalm 4 about God's care for us is a good way to begin and end every day. __David McCasland

`````````````````````````````In His care confiding``````````````````````
`````````````````````````````I will sweetly sleep,``````````````````````
````````````````````````````For the Lord my Savior`````````````````````
``````````````````````````Will in safety keep. __Psalter````````````````
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God is a safe dwelling place in life's storms.

***********************Today's Bible Reading __ Psalm 4*****************************

1 Hear me when I call, O
God of my righteousness!
You have relieved me in my
distress; have mercy on me,
and hear my prayer.

2 How long, O you sons of
men, will you turn my glory
to shame? How long will
you love worthlessness and
seek falsehood? 3 But know
that the LORD has set apart
for Himself him who is
godly; the LORD will hear
when I call to Him.

4 Be angry, and do not sin.
Meditate within your heart
on your bed, and be still.

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

6 There are many who say,
"Who will show us any
good?" LORD, lift up the
light of Your countenance
upon us. 7 You have put
gladness in my heart, more
than in the season that their
grain and wine increased.

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

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>INSIGHT<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

David's prayer (Psalm 4) expresses his quiet confidence in God
(v.8) amid troubling circumstances and slanderous falsehood (vv.1-
2). Knowing that God had set him apart for godliness (v.3), David
warned of the danger of being angry enough to seek revenge on
those who had slandered him (v.4). Instead of retaliation, David
chose silent reflection, redirecting his anger to calmly ponder on
God's goodness and faithfulness (vv.4-8). Angry feelings are not
sinful, but letting anger control you can lead to grievous sins (v.4;
Ps. 37:7-8). The apostel Paul also warned of the danger of anger in
Ephesians 4:26-27.