Prayerfully Re-Center Around God

Psalm 4

Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer.
~ Psalm 4:1

Answer me when I call to you,
my righteous God.
Give me relief from my distress;
have mercy on me and hear my prayer.
How long will you people turn my glory into shame?
How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?
Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself;
the Lord hears when I call to him.
Tremble and do not sin;
when you are on your beds,
search your hearts and be silent.
Offer the sacrifices of the righteous
and trust in the Lord.
Many, Lord, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?”
Let the light of your face shine on us.
Fill my heart with joy
when their grain and new wine abound.
In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, Lord,
make me dwell in safety.

Pondering Point

Times of distress are a common time for prayer, if probably the most common time to do so. Notice two key aspects in this particular prayer:

There is no blaming God for the situation (He is righteous), and
There is a call for mercy (undeserved blessing).

This call for help is not based on what the person is owed; rather it seeks a response based on mercy. It is the merciful heart of God that is being called on to gain a response. We can be fully confident that God wants to help us – but that confidence is drawn from coming in the name of Jesus.

Jesus is God’s favored – hear “favorite” – and beloved Son. And we are granted favor (blessed) even as sinners because we are connected to Jesus. James 1:5 says that God "gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."

Let’s inventory whatever is distressing us, prayerfully approach God with confidence in Jesus’ name, and seek wisdom.

Review the Week

What is distressing you? What keeps your mind turning things over? Think about personal life and health, family, work, finances, relationships, failures, etc…

Journal Prompt:

What is distressing you? Write about it.

Repent (if necessary)

Simply admit to God that you wish you had come to Him sooner with what you are sharing now. Ask Him to help you uproot any underlying lack of trust with Him.

Return (as necessary)

Adopt and adapt Proverbs 3:5-6 for yourself and tell God that you trust Him with your life and situations:

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.