The Cry of a Heart // Psalm 4
Feel like you're in a tight spot, or ever felt that before? Keep reading.
Psalm 4,
“When I call, give me answers. God, take my side! Once, in a tight place, you gave me room; now I’m in trouble again: grace me! hear me!
You rabble—how long do I put up with your scorn?
How long will you lust after lies? How long will you live crazed by illusion?
Look at this: look who got picked by God. He listens the split second I call to him.
Complain if you must, but don’t lash out. Keep your mouth shut, and let your heart do the talking. Build your case before God and wait for his verdict.
Why is everyone hungry for more? ‘More, more,’ they say. ‘More, more.’ I have God’s more-than-enough, more joy in one ordinary day than they get in all their shopping sprees.
At day’s end I’m ready for sound sleep, for you, God, have put my life back together.”
It's believed by many that Psalm 4 was penned by David on the heels of Psalm 3; still an outcast from his son Absalom's rebellion. It makes sense as David cries out for God's help.
Have you ever cried out similar words to David's -- 'God, answer my cry!" We've all been there; felt like our back was up against the wall or the world was against us. David makes this plea and follows it up with a reminder (he's good at those "but" moments, remember!). Reminding himself that God had given him space in a tight spot before, he believed God could do it again.
Feeling like you're in a tight space? Remind yourself of when God made room for you before and share your thanks with Him. Many times we need to remind ourself when things get tough that God has brought us through tough times before.
After reminding himself that God had come through in the past, He makes a very encouraging statement in verse 3. He got picked by God! Remember when God saw you and called you into relationship with Him? When you felt like the only person in the world because God was was inviting you to know Him. You got picked by God! He heard you then and He hears you now.
If you're in a tight spot and things are hard, cry out to Him and He will hear you the second you call out to Him.
My favorite part of the whole psalm and the words that convict me most are verses 7-8,
“I have God’s more-than-enough, more joy in one ordinary day than they get in all their shopping sprees.”
When I read these words I felt deeply convicted. David is potentially in hiding while his son and thousands more seek to overthrow him. While he is shut up somewhere in obscurity those who are against him are down enjoying the plenty of harvest. While he has little they enjoy much. Yet, in all their spending and indulgence, David has more joy in his ordinary.
I'm deeply convicted because those who live for this world find (momentary) enjoyment in their indulgences. Imagine a day of buying whatever you want! Yet we are supposed to find more joy in our emails, voicemails, meetings, diaper changes, cleaning, and errands than the best day anyone in this world could have.
I believe joy is the beginning for you today. Wherever you might be and whatever you might be up against (myself included!) find joy. It's not the same as happiness; happiness is based on circumstances while joy endures through times of suffering. You must have the maturity to seek joy in the ordinary and difficult and believe that God hears you and will make room for you.
If you're struggling to find that joy today, cry out to God! This is exactly what we see David doing in Psalms 3 and 4; in the midst of one of the most difficult seasons of his life he cries out to God and has the faith to believe that God will act on his behalf. His joy is in the expectation of what God can do in his life. And not only can, but desires to do.
Remind Yourself of Previous Victories. Remember what God has done for you before and thank Him for His ability to do the impossible.
Cry Out to Him. He hears you and will respond when the time is just right. But keep calling out to Him.
Find Joy in the Ordinary. Embrace what He is doing now! Everything He has in store for you requires your current season. A lesson to be learned and a person to become. Find joy in what He has you doing now and have faith that what's ahead is better than you could imagine.
You have access to God just as David did. Your current season can lead you to a better place like his did. God hears you. He sees you. And He will act on your behalf if you would only put your faith in Him!
One of my favorite worship albums of all time is one put out by the ladies of the Red Rocks Church worship team. It's 4 songs developed out of their favorite psalms and it's some of the most beautiful music I've ever heard! Click on the album to purchase it in itunes.
Click the image above to download the free scripture print for this series! It's a great way to memorize an encouraging verse while staying in tuned with the series.