Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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GOD THE DEFENDER AND SOURCE OF PEACE
Psalms 4
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. (Vs. 6,7)

In this Psalm we find the deep sense of belonging of the believer in the Almighty God. When the believer finds his surroundings as disturbing and uncomfortable; his prayer to the most high was to help him find faith and calmness in God's shelter. When we go to the details of this song we can see that each aspect is developed from the relation of the Psalmist towards God and the people around.

The Psalmist and God the defender: (Vs. 1,2) In these verses we find the writer proclaiming God as his defender, helper, listener and the most high, who can solve all his personal sorrows/worries/problems. The prayers are really very touching because when we read it we find the Psalmist proclaiming God as his only refuge and helper. The Almighty is the only One who can take him out of all his troubles. He tells that when others were deaf to his cries/worries, God listened very carefully to take him out of all worries. God is always on His side to help him overcome the life struggles

The Psalmist and the people around: (Vs. 2 -4) We find, in these verses, that the people around were damaging him with false/wicked words and the writer finding it very difficult to withstand those hard words. They were really insulting him with worthless and false words. Psalmist's advice to such people is to stop sinning and develop trust/faith in God. He also points out to his opponents to think about their wicked words and turn back to God.

The Psalmist, God and the people around: (Vs.5, 6&7) From his intimate relationship with God, the writer advises the people around to develop a new relationship with the Most High. He recommends that instead of wasting time by spreading rumors, to find trust in God and offer right sacrifices and to humbly submit to the mighty hands of God and find the shining light from the divine face. The shining light of God's face fills gladness in heart and it will be more than the joy one gets while the harvest is gathered.

In our life, we also find it very difficult to survive when the surroundings are creating unease to our life. We feel even God is also silent to our cry. But real comfort comes from God who is always ready to give us the "light of His face." For that, let’s submit to the heavenly vision and get reconciled to our surroundings.

Prayer: Lord, help us to understand that we are safe and comfortable under Your care. Enable us to lie down and sleep in peace. Amen

Rev. Renu John
Vicar, North Carolina Mar Thoma Church



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