Praying the Psalms – Psalm 4: Distractions

The Psalms is a book of prayers. It covers a wide range of human emotions and can be a catalyst for when you don’t know what to say to God! Join me as I pray through the Psalms. I would love for you to add your prayers and prayer requests in the comments, and I will pray for you right here on the blog.

Psalm 4 (Original text, NIV)

“Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer.

How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?

Know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord will hear when I call to him.

In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.

Offer right sacrifices and trust in the Lord.

Many are asking, ‘Who can show us any good?’

Let the light of your face shine upon us, O Lord.

You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound.

I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”

A prayer inspired by Psalm 4:

Here I am again, oh Lord. I will keep coming back, again and again. Because I know that you are good. And you care, when I am in distress.

You are the best thing that has ever happened to me. But many people just don’t get that. How can they? There are so many distractions. So many things offered by the world, promising happiness, joy, safety, comfort, fulfillment. So many things to turn our attention away from you.

My quest for fulfillment has led to you. That is where you intended it to take me. You placed these desires within my heart, to draw me near to you.

And yet, who am I? Do I have a right to be angry with anyone? To be upset, because they do not understand me?

No. They are on a journey, just as I am. May they find you, Lord, when they need something more. When relationships fail. When health is threatened. When addictions no longer satisfy. When leaders fall. When money isn’t enough. When all their toil brings them nowhere.

Lord, it’s you who we need! Help us, to turn away from worthless distractions. They have failed us, again and again! Come to our rescue, Father.

Fill me with your Spirit! I’ve enjoyed the holiday feasts. I’ve savoured the wine. But nothing compares to the fullness you bring.

And because of you, I sleep at night, despite the many things that trouble me. I know that you hold them all in your hands.

Amen.

To catch up on the rest of this series, you may click the following links:

• What is Better (Series Intro)
• Praying the Psalms – Psalm 1: Thought Life
• Praying the Psalms – Psalm 2: The World
• Praying the Psalms – Psalm 3: Deliverance

As mentioned earlier, please feel free to add your prayers and prayer requests in the comments. I would love to pray with and for you. May you be blessed today!

Warm wishes,

Lisa

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