Prayerfully Re-Center Around God
Psalm 4:1-8
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,
O God who declares me innocent.
Free me from my troubles.
Have mercy on me and hear my prayer. - How long will you people ruin my reputation?
How long will you make groundless accusations?
How long will you continue your lies? Interlude - You can be sure of this:
The Lord set apart the godly for himself.
The Lord will answer when I call to him. - Don’t sin by letting anger control you.
Think about it overnight and remain silent. Interlude - Offer sacrifices in the right spirit,
and trust the Lord. - Many people say, “Who will show us better times?”
Let your face smile on us, Lord. - You have given me greater joy
than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine. - In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.
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
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:
This is distressing me:
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;
do not depend on your own understanding. - Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.