2 (1) O God, my vindicator!
Answer me when I call!
When I was distressed, you set me free;
now have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.
3 (2) Men of rank, how long will you shame my honor,
love what is vain, chase after lies? (Selah)
4 (3) Understand that Adonai sets apart
the godly person for himself;
Adonai will hear when I call to him.
5 (4) You can be angry, but do not sin!
Think about this as you lie in bed,
and calm down. (Selah)
6 (5) Offer sacrifices rightly,
and put your trust in Adonai.
7 (6) Many ask, “Who can show us some good?”
Adonai, lift the light of your face over us!
8 (7) You have filled my heart with more joy
than all their grain and new wine.
9 (8) I will lie down and sleep in peace;
for, Adonai, you alone make me live securely.[Complete Jewish Bible]
"Pastor, there are several people who think ... " my obviously troubled conversation partner began. Anonymous disappointment is so powerful. Unwittingly, we often choose to empower anonymity by giving in to it. We'll hear the silent voices of the several when this or that challenge or issue comes up in ministry. It drives ministers crazy! But, even though we recognize the sin in the other, it is also nestled inside us.This is how the psalmist knows how to quote his nay-sayers, "O that we might see some good!" The writer and the opponents know each other pretty well! This psalm is a bit of a cloaked confession, but notice where the absolution comes! "I lie down and sleep in peace." In other words, knowing the reconciling presence of God is quite like—well—doing nothing. As Father Thomas Keating says: "God's first language is silence. Every other language is a poor translation."
God of rest and grace, be so strongly present in my life that I am honest even when pressures lead me to act dishonestly. Amen.
James Aalgaard
Pastor, Grace Lutheran Church, Wenatchee, Wash.
Master of Divinity , 2000
Psalm 4:1 Answer 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.
2 How long, you people, shall my honor suffer shame? How long will you love vain words, and seek after lies? (Selah)
3 But know that the Lord has set apart the faithful for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him.
4 When you are disturbed, do not sin; ponder it on your beds, and be silent. (Selah)
5 Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the Lord.
6 There are many who say, "O that we might see some good! Let the light of your face shine on us, O Lord!"
7 You have put gladness in my heart more than when their grain and wine abound.
8 I will both lie down and sleep in peace; for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.[New Revised Standard Version]
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