There are two readings for today.
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 4
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” [Luke 23:35]
Jesus, the Son of David, trusts God, but for the moment He is being sneered at.
They are mocking Him because He had so much power to heal and help others, but now He cannot heal or help Himself.
They are turning His glory into shame.
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. [Psalm 4:2-3]
I am reminded of a time when I was very young (gr 1 or 2), when we were leaving for church on Sunday morning and a classmate stood at the foot of the driveway as we left, pretending to pray and laughing at me.
I can’t remember the context, and I don’t remember how we responded, but looking back on that incident, it’s as if he was turning our glory (our relationship with the Lord) into shame.
He probably did not know what he was doing [think of Jesus’ words on the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34], but in a small way, this is like what happened to David, and to Jesus.
It is difficult to trust in God when circumstances seem to go against that trust.
In this Psalm David spends a lot of time humbling himself before the Lord and renewing his hope, pleading for help – Let the light of your face shine on us. Fill my heart with joy when their grain and new wine abound. [Psalm 4:6-7]
How do you respond when your trust is being tested, or even mocked?
What do your prayers sounds like – complaints or expressions of confidence.
If your response is complaining, how is that working for you?
Trusting in God does not change our problems or make them go away.
But it does change us, and help us see better how God is at work.
Try it, actively choose (even speak out loud) to trust God, even if mocked for it.
With David, with Jesus, renew your confidence in the Lord, tell yourself and others that the Lord has set you apart for Himself, He hears you when you call to Him.
In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety. [Psalm 4:8]
PRAYER:
Lord, You are always with me, even when it doesn’t feel like it. Help me to focus on you in tough times, not on the people sneering at me.