Read Psalm
4-6 & Acts
16:16-40
To discover:
As you read note what can be
learnt about the grounds of prayer.
To ponder:
In each psalm God is asked to act
in his “mercy” (4v1, 5v7, 6v2). It acknowledges that as sinners we have no
other grounds on which to appeal to him, but through his mercy in Christ.
Psalm
4 appeals to God for protection from those who oppose David, possibly said at
night (4v4, 8). David calls on God as “righteous” – so relying on his
commitment to do what is right, and most specifically therefore to keep his
promise to uphold David as his king (2 Sam 7v10-11). David seeks “relief” from
the “distress” felt in people denying his “glory” – perhaps his right to rule,
or his uprightness, or his failure to bring “good” to Israel (as 4v6). Instead,
they are denigrating him with lies (4v2, see footnote) in anger at something he
has done (4v4). David urges his opponents to know that the LORD has set-apart
“the godly” (ie. those who love and obey him) as his, and so will hear David’s
prayer. Moreover, he appeals to them (as the psalm would have to all when sung
in Israel’s
worship) to reflect on what they are doing when on their beds – ie. at the rare
time people get to think things over. His call is for them to be silent,
convicted of the wrong they are doing, and for them to atone for their sin with
sacrifices (presumably burnt offerings), or perhaps just offer themselves like
a sacrifice in obedience. Either way, they are to trust God.
In the light of
the need for “good” to be done, David is not a defeatist like the “many.” His
hope is in the LORD. “The light” probably refers to God’s glory, which is the
manifestation of his excellence. 6v6 therefore prays for God to display his
character in acting for the good of his people. And having entrusted the
situation to God, David can say God has “filled” his heart with greater joy
than his detractors have in an abundant harvest (4v7). In the light of this,
David can sleep in peace, knowing God will ensure his safety against them. This
is a reminder that joy and peace can be found even amidst hardship, in the
knowledge that we are the Lord’s and we have given our concerns to him (Phil
4v4-9). Moreover, this joy and peace surpasses the greatest material happiness
that can be experienced by those without Christ. Certainly, this explains
Christ’s ability to praise God despite knowing where his ministry would lead.
Contrasting
Psalm 4, Psalm 5 seems to be a morning prayer, showing prayer regularly
bracketed David’s day. Again, he appeals to God to hear his “sighing” and “cry
for help,” and commends “expectation” when we pray (5v3). The reference to God
as “king” suggests David is seeking his kingly justice. So he affirms God’s
hatred and readiness to destroy those who are evil, wicked, arrogant, deceitful
and bloodthirsty – implying it is such people that are causing his distress
(5v4-6). They “cannot stand” in God’s “presence,” because God’s wrath would
break out against them. But because of God’s mercy, David can. So he affirms he
will come and worship in God’s temple (tabernacle in David’s day) where God was
present. And it seems on this basis, as a worshipper of God, that David asks
God to show him how to act according to God’s “righteousness” ie. without
turning from the straight path of God’s ways. How much we need such wisdom when
navigating difficult people.
David’s
opponents are speaking destructive lies (5v9), and so he prays for God as judge
to declare them guilty and punish them by bringing their own scheming down on
their heads. Such prayers for justice reflect the seriousness of these people
speaking against God’s anointed king, which is “rebellion” against God (5v10).
But they are also appropriate for the oppressed believer (Rev 6v10). David ends
praying for joy and protection for those who “take refuge.” They are those who
“love” his name (ie. who he is), and who are “righteous” (not perfect, but who
seek to do what is right). David is confident they will receive such “blessing,”
because God’s “favour” will be their shield. So the psalm clarifies what the
wicked and righteous can expect from the Lord.
Psalm 6 begins
with a cry that God would refrain from dealing with David in wrath. This suggests
the agony he details so powerfully results from sin. It could be physical
illness, but more likely is a metaphorical description of the agony David feels
in his soul because of being opposed by “foes” (6v7-10). If so, the setting may
be Absalom’s opposition, as it resulted from David’s adultery. David fears for
his life and so asks God to save him on the basis of his “unfailing love.” He
concludes urging his enemies to flee, as he is confident God will answer him
and they will therefore be disgraced. So in two psalms we have two reasons we
can be confident God hears our prayers (5v7, 6v4). However, we must note we
cannot be as confident God will disgrace our enemies during our lifetime. Many
Christians remain persecuted. David’s certainty stems from the God’s unique
promise to him as God’s king, that his kingdom would be secure (2 Sam 7v10-11).
Our promise is for freedom and justice on the last day.
Praying it home:
Praise God for his loving
commitment to hear the prayers of those who love and so worship him. Pray that as
you read the psalms, you prayer life would become more regular and instinctive.
Thinking
further:
None today.
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