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This verse contains a principle that is badly needed today. Without commitment a person’s thoughts have no anchor. One of the consequences of lack of commitment to the LORD is the mind is adrift and tossed around. What you are is the double minded man in James 1 and 4.
Your way says I need to get my head straight and then I’ll be able to do right. The Lord says do right and your head will be right.
Psalm 119:165
Philippians 4:6-8
David is an example of a man who does this in Psalm 4. It’s a song he writes because of an answer to prayer and to highlight his trust in the LORD.
Plea for the Almighty God to hear (vs 1)
- David has no right to approach God. He does not assume God turns His attention just because David attempts to talk to Him. David asks the LORD to hear his prayer.
- David implores the LORD based on God’s righteousness; God of my righteousness.
- David recalls how the LORD has helped him in the past. When he felt like the walls were closing in on him and the pressure was on – David was stressed – then the LORD made room for him. The LORD removed the walls that were closing in on him; enlarged me when I was in distress. This is the experience David has had with the LORD and the reason David is so confident in this Psalm.
- David still approaches God from the basis of His mercy. (Paul does the same thing in Romans when he beseeches others by the mercies of God)
David begins his prescription for his enemies (vss 2-5)
- When will it end?; How long…how long…
- Personal devotion to the LORD does count for something (vs 3)
- David is confident of the LORD’s help
- Answers to prayer based on behavior like James 4:3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
- Be careful and not hasty in what you’re about to do (vs 4)
- Watch what the LORD does.
- Do the right thing. Quit listening to the crowd. It’s going to come back and bite you.
- Fulfill righteousness and trust in the LORD (vs 5)
- Or put it this way, trust in the LORD by working out God’s prescribed righteousness.
The scoffers are many, LORD show them your work as I reflect on your goodness (vss 6-8)
- Joy of the LORD is not circumstantial (vs 7)
- This joy is not circumstantial or seasonal.
- Rejoice in the Lord alway and again I say rejoice
- In my time of trouble I’ve experienced greater joy than when things were all going right.
- Sweet fellowship with the Lord that only comes in distressing times where He gives you a peace that passes all understanding.
- Peace that comes from the Lord (vs 8)
- Both lay me down in peace though danger is around me, AND sleep.
