Daily Bread

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

The Lord Has Set Apart the Godly for Himself

Date: Aug. 4, 2015

Passage

Psalm 4:1-8

Answer Me When I Call

To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.

4:1   Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!
    You have given me relief when I was in distress.
    Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!
2   O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame?
    How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah
3   But know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself;
    the LORD hears when I call to him.
4   Be angry, and do not sin;
    ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah
5   Offer right sacrifices,
    and put your trust in the LORD.
6   There are many who say, “Who will show us some good?
    Lift up the light of your face upon us, O LORD!”
7   You have put more joy in my heart
    than they have when their grain and wine abound.
8   In peace I will both lie down and sleep;
    for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

Key Verse: Psalm 4:3

But know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself;
the LORD hears when I call to him.

First, how long will you love delusions? (1-2) There are times when we are angered and distressed by the ungodliness of society and the unfaithfulness of people. David felt this way, too. In verses 1-2, he is frustrated by those who dishonor God and proclaim lies as truth. He calls on the righteous God for relief.

Second, the Lord has set apart the godly for himself (3). We do not need to become angry because of godless men. We must know that God has set apart the godly for himself. We must be sure that we ourselves are not drawn into ungodly ways of thinking and acting.

Third, in your anger, do not sin (4-8). We must not give in to anger; we must not end the day and go to sleep with anger in our hearts. We must search our hearts and be silent, waiting on God. We must claim Jesus' sacrifice for cleansing and forgiveness and allow his joy to fill and satisfy our hearts.

Prayer: Lord, by your grace, help me to be a godly person, not an ungodly one. Come and dwell in my heart.

One Word: Set apart for the Lord

God is Our Deliverer

Psalm 78:40-72

Key Verse: 78:65

Then the Lord awoke as from sleep,
like a strong man shouting because of wine.

Today's Question

See answer and references