Psalm 4:3-8 NLT “You can be sure of this:
The Lord set apart the godly for himself.
The Lord will answer when I call to him.
Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent.
Offer sacrifices in the right spirit and trust the Lord.
Many people say, ‘Who will show us better times?’ Let your face smile on us, Lord.
You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine.
In peace, I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.”
Oh, what valuable golden nuggets the Lord has given us to carry and hold onto today!
First off he sets us apart! We are his children and he knows those who belong to him. We walk and mingle among the masses, but within the masses, God sees each of us individually.
1 Peter 2:9 ESV “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
The Lord will answer when I call to him! God is always with us! Always!
Isaiah 41:10 ESV “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you I will help you, I will uphold you with my right hand.”
Next is a gem we can all tuck in our pockets! ‘Do not sin by letting anger control you!’ Give it a night, give yourself enough time to cool off, walk it off, go somewhere private, and pray it off! I can’t imagine there is one of us who hasn’t regretted the words spoken in the heated moment of an angry situation.
God is instructing us to take time and walk away from the situation until the next morning. I have a personality where anger could go from tropical breezes to a catastrophic hurricane in seconds. I have taught myself to stick up for myself, but when I feel serious rage coming on, I turn, walk away, and pray!
I believe this is the right sacrifice for us to offer! The prayer that says I’m angry, I’m indignant, I’ve been wronged, they are wrong but Lord, help me to see both sides. Please, help me to not focus on just myself. Help me to hear you and see your ways. Help me to calm down!!!
You have given me greater joy than those with abundant crops and new wine.
We see it all the time sadly millionaires and billionaires taking their own lives. Having lots of money isn’t a warm hug, a smile from a loved one, or laughter with friends. Money can solve many problems but it’s a cold bedfellow.
The Lord has already assured us that he hears us when we call. That, he sets us apart. He tells us to trust him.
Nahum 1:7 ESV “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.”
Romans 8:28 ESV “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
In peace I lie down O Lord, because you will keep me safe.
And, To that I say, ‘Amen’ 🥰
Sunshine On My Shoulder 