Thursday, March 6

In Psalm 4 King David, the leader of Israel, is considering the behavior of those around him who are “seeking after lies and dishonoring him.” He sings his contemplation aloud, confidently affirming his trust in divine protection and faithfulness in the face of turmoil.

It feels like King David is reassuring himself as he speaks to God.
At the same time, his prayer encourages us to ponder what is disturbing or angering us. Sounds like some good advice. We don’t want our anger to get the best of us. Instead, we are invited to recognize our distress and avoid doing something hurtful; to go to our beds, think about it, and be quiet.

God will come to us in the quiet and give us the clarity we need to respond with grace and to take loving action in any situation we encounter. “Let me take some time to think about it,” is a proper response. Disengaging in a heated moment can help us avoid sin.

Many people are disturbed, angry, and anxious right now. In the midst of that, God will give direction as we seek to live in lifegiving ways, all while we resist the falsehoods, misinformation, and slanderous behavior that demeans and criminalizes people we are called to love or denigrates the good works we graciously offer as we care for our neighbors.