Psalmody, a Journey through Psalms with Anne Mileur

 Psalm chapter 4, “The safety of the Faithful”                 

2 Samuel 15 and 16 tells the story of Absalom’s attempt to overthrow his father’s kingdom.  Instead of fighting with his son, David fled his palace. He took everybody and all his stuff, except ten concubines who were left to take care of the place. As they traveled, many people supported their king. But a man named Shimei tried to shame David. He cursed him, saying that God was punishing David for things he had done in the past. He threw stones at David and his household. One of David’s men asked permission to cut off his head. But he refused. Instead, he ignored Shimei's insults and relied on God, his defender.  David said, “Maybe the Lord will repay me with good for his cursing this day”.

Later, David writes about this situation. In Psalm 4, he speaks to God (vs 1, 6-7), his enemies (vs 2.3), his army (vs 4,5), and himself (vs 8),  

When he addresses the Lord as “O God of my righteousness”, David recognizes his position in their relationship. He acknowledges that God is supreme, and he is not. With those five words, David denounces self-worth and goodness. He admits he has done nothing to earn God’s favor and remembers how God helped him in the past.

In his encounter with Shimei, David ignores his accuser. But, for David’s men, not responding to Shimei was easier said than done. David counsels his men about letting their emotions fuel their actions. He tells them to “Be angry and sin not.”  In this context, being ‘angry’ is less about being outraged and more about being respectful toward the Lord. Paraphrased, the sentence would read, “Highly respect the Lord who has already taken care of everything that concerns you, and don’t take things into your own hands.”

David shares four tips on how to let God take care of God’s business. His advice? Meditate, stay calm, do what’s right, and, always, have faith in God.  God. vs 4,5

With his final words, he shares how he deals with his emotions during enemy attacks.  Like the principle described in Psalm 3, prayer and praise = peace. He concludes, “I will both lie down and sleep; for You alone, O Lord make me dwell in safety.”

Just a thought: Haven’t we all been shamed?  We try to forget certain events, but inevitably, someone brings them up. Like David, we do not have to respond. Our greatest defense against shame-ers is our growth in the Lord, displayed through our daily walk. People need to see our testimony. Yes, there is a time to tell about how Jesus forgave us, but showing our change is more effective than using words.  

Remembering God’s past faithfulness is paramount in our relationship with God.  When we forget that it is not we, but God, who orchestrates everything in our lives, we slip into thinking that we can take care of ourselves.

Our faith does not give God the power to save, heal, or provide for us. God IS power.  Faith gives us the ability to accept His grace, mercy, and decisions.

Write your own Psalm: 

Oh Lord, hear my prayer,

I know full well of your mercy and grace

But shame creeps in to steal my peace.

I surrender it all to You, for in You alone, do I trust.

Help me remember that my past made me into who I am today.

Chip off the junk that holds me down so I may become who You would have me to be.