Wednesday Devo
Scripture Reading:
Psalm 4:6-8
6 Many people say, “Who will show us better times?”
Let your face smile on us, Lord.
7 You have given me greater joy
than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine.
8 In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.
6 Many people say, “Who will show us better times?”
Let your face smile on us, Lord.
7 You have given me greater joy
than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine.
8 In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.
Commentary from the ESV Study Bible:
4:6–8 Words to the Lord. The singer finishes by offering a plea to the Lord. Each godly person is to see himself giving the plaintive cry of v. 6, and is to find the answer in remembering all that the Lord has done for him (vv. 7–8).
4:7 Joy in the OT is not focused on materialistic prosperity in itself; cf. 37:16; 73:28; Prov. 15:16; 16:8.
4:7 The joy of knowing God anticipates the joy and peace that Christ promises (John 15:11; 16:33).
4:7 Joy in the OT is not focused on materialistic prosperity in itself; cf. 37:16; 73:28; Prov. 15:16; 16:8.
4:7 The joy of knowing God anticipates the joy and peace that Christ promises (John 15:11; 16:33).
Study Questions:
- David prays and asks God to let his face shine upon them. To see God’s face is to be in his presence. When he hides his face, he removes his presence. Then we’re left to our own pitiful devices in the midst of our difficulties. The result is, hopefully, we come to realize how much we need him and turn back to him. When his face shines on us, his presence is with us, and his presence brings with it everything we need in life... love, joy, peace, fulfillment, wisdom, etc. Have you ever had a moment where your suddenly VERY aware of God's presence all around you? Maybe it was in a worship service or when you were praying or even just an ordinary day at home. And in his presence you sense overwhelming love and grace and warmth and even humility and conviction... you're suddenly aware of your sin and how it offends the holy God, but you know he’s paid for it because he loves you so much... all this rolled into one breath-taking experience. Describe a time you experienced these things. How do we get in his presence more often?
- David is so confident in God and his ability to keep him safe that he is able to lay down and sleep despite the chaos around him. God alone is his source of security and peace. It's important to note that David's perspective changed long before his circumstances did. You can see the evolution of his state of mind. He starts out desperately crying out for God to come to his aid, he openly desires God's presence in his life, and he finishes confessing his complete trust in his Heavenly Father. How much different would your life look if you could adapt this same recipe for peace? Your life is pressing you on all sides, you bring it straight to God, confess your need for him, his presence surrounds you, and you have peace. What in your life do you need to submit to him? What do you lay awake at night thinking about? What is it that is robbing you of peace? Take some time to ask for his help! Ask him to surround you with his presence and give you peace.
Pray:
- That you would learn to live in his presence everyday and everywhere.
- That you would learn to receive his peace in the middle of your chaos.
No Comments