Daily Devotion – April 15, 2021 – Dr. Pat Taylor Ellison

Psalm 4
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.
4:2 How long, you people, shall my honor suffer shame? How long will you love vain words, and seek after lies? Selah
4:3 But know that the LORD has set apart the faithful for himself; the LORD hears when I call to him.
4:4 When you are disturbed, do not sin; ponder it on your beds, and be silent. Selah
4:5 Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the LORD.
4:6 There are many who say, “O that we might see some good! Let the light of your face shine on us, O LORD!”
4:7 You have put gladness in my heart more than when their grain and wine abound.
4:8 I will both lie down and sleep in peace; for you alone, O LORD, make me lie down in safety.

This psalmist is suffering some indignity and is giving God a little grief for it. He wants an answer, and now! People aren’t hearing him but instead are paying attention to someone peddling lies.

I’m thinking right now of old Doc Adams on Gunsmoke whenever an elixir salesman or a hack physician would come to town, give Doc’s patients some “cure” or other, and steal them away from him into some vain hope and false promise. Always, in the end, the liar would end up leaving, and then people had to return to listen to the truth Doc had been telling them all along.

The psalmist says that God has always been good to us, year in and year out, and is not a flash in the pan, a moment of good tidings. We can rest on God’s faithfulness and goodness. If we put our trust in the habits and ways we have been able to count on for our joys all our lives, we will not be disappointed. The old saying, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!” may be the mood of this little Psalm. Depend on God alone, and God will not let you down.

I am amazed when I sort of survey my friends and relatives about how they have managed this past year through COVID times.  Those with a clear life of faith have done very well. In times of distress and uncertainty, they have a rock to which they can cling. I hope you have had that rock, too. In times of stress, change, and fear, it is good to believe in something clear and good, a reliable physician, no snake-oil peddler.  Peace to your house.

Gracious God, Thank you for loving us. Thank you for being our rock, our dependable long-term, forever God and Savior. Thank you for giving us peace.   Amen.