April 19, 2018 Thursday

“« To the Chief Musician. With stringed instruments. A Psalm of David. » 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.

How long, O you sons of men, Will you turn my glory to shame? How long will you love worthlessness And seek falsehood? Selah

But know that the LORD has set apart for Himself him who is godly; The LORD will hear when I call to Him.

Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Selah Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, And put your trust in the LORD.” (Psalm 4:1-5 NKJV)

            Here we see a conversation of prayer sung for all to hear.  David in prayer does not just speak to God but holds a two way conversation that unless we recognize this the words may seem confusing.

            David cries out for God to hear and declares his righteousness is from God and remembers God’s relief in the past.  David cries for God’s mercy and that God would hear his prayer.

            God’s response at first seems disheartening as God reveals to David his and all humanities sin and that our sin turns God’s glory into shame.

            David by continuing acknowledges God is speaking the truth yet calls upon God’s mercy and that God would hear his call.  David acknowledges prayer is not just something we just do but must be a recognition we do not deserve for God to hear us!

            God then responds for David to prepare himself to come to God by seeking God’s forgiveness and for God to help David be prepared to come into God’s presence.  Finally God calls David to put his trust in God.

            This is not coming into God’s court in a time of united conversation but just an entering into the gates to prepare you to meet God.

            Could it be the reason we may think our prayers do not reach God is because we mistakenly think we can just call upon God like sending a message?  Could it be we have not made sure the “line” is open for us to talk with God?  Could it be because we arrogantly come to God is why God at times seems so distant from us?

            Terrible week and I have struggled so much.  I spent a lot of time in bed since I am very weak and stumble a lot.  Even with the exercise I do it is harder to pick up my feet when I walk.  The devotional keep my mind clearer even though I am not sure they are worth reading.  But they are my offering to God so even if no one reads them I pray they make God smile!