Post by foxjj on Oct 29, 2024 7:16:22 GMT
Right Standing
Among the Psalms that were used as prayers in the Temple was Psalm 4 where the choir leader would read it to the people. We see from the opening verse how the Psalm is laid out as a prayer: ”Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer.” The author King David, is calling on Yahweh as his righteous God. He is confessing that his right standing comes only from the one true God, not his own endeavours, “have mercy on me and hear my prayer” is a humble attitude towards a Holy God.
In verse 2 David scolds the ungodly who follow delusions and seek after false gods: “How long will you people turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?” It is understood that this Psalm was written during a time of drought consequently, some of the people may have turned to the God’s of the Canaanite’s for help. As an example, Baal was the god of fertility which included crops. He was worshiped in the spring as a means of calling him from the underworld where it was believed that he lived during the winter in order that he would bring a harvest.
Verse’s 3 and 4 give an example to the people of how they should have faith in Yahweh, understanding that He knows who are His faithful servants: “Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him. Tremble and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.” When you and I are in right standing with our Heavenly Father we can rest peacefully at night trusting in His gift of Grace given onto us through our faith in Jesus. Knowing that we are in right standing with Jesus puts us in right standing with our Heavenly Father.
Today, let us thank our Heavenly Father for the gift of Jesus.
John Joseph Fox.