Today's Meditation
Read Psalm 4
1Answer me when I call, O God of my right! You gave me room when I was in distress. Be gracious to me, and hear my prayer.
2How long, you people, shall my honor suffer shame? How long will you love vain words, and seek after lies?
3But know that the Lord has set apart the faithful for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him.
4When you are disturbed, do not sin; ponder it on your beds, and be silent.
5Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the Lord.
6There are many who say, “O that we might see some good! Let the light of your face shine on us, O Lord!”
7You have put gladness in my heart more than when their grain and wine abound.
8I will both lie down and sleep in peace; for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.
Two phrases struck me as I read this psalm. The first phrase is in the very first verse, "You gave me room when I was in distress." The second one comes just a bit later in the psalm, verse 4, "When you are disturbed, do not sin; ponder it on your beds, and be silent."
I don't know about you, but when I am in distress, like the psalmist, I need space. I don't want to be asked a ton of questions, I don't want to try and explain anything. I don't want people around. I need room...I need a place to think. It's almost as if the problem or the distress needs space to move out of me and into the air, but if there is no room for it to go, it stays within me. That may sound silly, but it is nonetheless true.
I know that those who love me see my distress and want to help. They crowd around and want to offer suggestions or ask questions or see ways in which they might offer solace. But, in actuality, that only increases my distress.
The psalmist appreciates that God has also given the writer some room or space to deal with the distress without requiring anything of them, at the moment.
The second phrase can be paired with the first. When we are angry or upset, when life has given us its fill and we are "disturbed" as the writer says, it is best to keep our mouths shut. Oh, how I wish I could keep this tiny bit of wisdom close to my breast!
Does this psalm offer you any similar wisdom?
Hauser performing - Albinoni's Adagio
I don't often choose a non-lyric offering for the daily meditation, but this piece and the scenery of an empty Dubrovnik, Croatia moved me today.
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