THE ELECTION
Well I have been hit hard this week with an unbelievable head cold. Blinking and breathing through my mouth sums up my “state of brain”. So in asking the LORD what to post in a simple, quicker way, He said “Psalm 4”. Therefore, I am posting Psalm 4. I see His heart in it for this time, with the presidential elections happening next Tuesday. It contains the question of the election, “Who will bring us prosperity?”
“Who will bring us prosperity?” is in verse 6 of Psalm 4. God knows many are asking this question yet reasoning through delusions and simultaneously seeking after false gods, verse 4. In the top 10 list of what is most important to the American voter, offering sacrifices of the righteous and trusting in the LORD is nowhere to be seen, verse 5 of Psalm 4. Our number one issue is economic prosperity and our 2nd is anxiety over terrorism. American people want stomachs filled and to be safe. Visit here to see the list- http://www.people-press.org/2016/07/07/4-top-voting-issues-in-2016-election/
King David, a man after God’s own heart and author of Psalm 4, prefers his heart be filled with joy. He knows the LORD gives joy in the heart that exceeds joy in secular prosperity, verse 7. “It is better,” said one, “to feel God’s favor one hour in our repenting souls than to sit whole ages under the warmest sunshine that this world affordeth.” Spurgeon says, “Christ in the heart is better than corn in the barn or wine in the vat.” Do you prefer His joy?
As a Christ follower, you aren’t running for president, but you’ve been elected, 1 Peter 2:9, Colossians 3:12. You are part of the ELECT, Mark 13:22, 2 Timothy 2:10, Titus 1:1. Make every effort to confirm your election and calling, 2 Peter 1:10. Prioritize intimacy with your Holy King. The prosperity and safety he generously pours out is unmatched, verse 7-8.
Search your heart and be silent, let Him respond, verse 4. For aid in diving deeper into the psalm, consider listening to Psalm 4 in song, found at the end of this post. The psalm was put to song by “The Psalms Project.” The more ways you hear God’s Word, read it, ponder its application to your life, and speak it out, the more you are meditating on God’s truth to experience the “heart” joy He promises. Enjoy lingering with God in prayer! (Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you afresh and tell your heart to “awake” to God as you begin in prayer.)
Psalm 4-
1 Answer me when I call to you,
my righteous God.
Give me relief from my distress;
have mercy on me and hear my prayer.
2 How long will you people turn my glory into shame?
How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?
3 Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself;
the Lord hears when I call to him.
4 Tremble and do not sin;
when you are on your beds,
search your hearts and be silent.
5 Offer the sacrifices of the righteous
and trust in the Lord.
6 Many, Lord, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?”
Let the light of your face shine on us.
7 Fill my heart with joy
when their grain and new wine abound.
8 In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, Lord,
make me dwell in safety.
