Scripture: “Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.” – (4:4)
Observation: In verse 3 of this chapter, David stated that the Lord hears the prayers of those whom He has set apart. In today’s verse, David relates the awe of that knowledge and the truth that God inclines His ear toward His children.
Application: A relationship with God means that He has sanctified us (set us apart) for His purposes. It is awe-inspiring to think that the Creator of the universe, the Almighty God, has chosen us to be His children, and has a perfect plan for our lives! This incredible truth should lead us to strive for a life that is pleasing to God… to do our best to “sin not”.
Additionally, we should nurture our relationship with God by remaining in close contact with Him daily. This is done in two major ways. The first is to faithfully read the Bible. This is God’s communication to us. He speaks to us through His Word, and His Spirit uses the Scriptures to teach us and help us grow in our faith. The second way is to pray. Prayer is how we communicate with God. He desires to hear from us so much that He says in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to “Pray without ceasing.” After engaging in both of these ways to communicate with the Lord, we need to take time and be still. Why? Here are a few reasons.
- “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.” – Psalm 37:7
- Waiting on God is often difficult, but we can trust that His timing for the answers to our prayers is always perfect!
- “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” – Psalm 46:10
- We need to always take time and reflect on the magnificence of God! Just to think about His holiness, mercy, and love should move us to silent worship!
- “It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.” – Lamentations 3:26
- Trusting God involves waiting quietly for the Lord to act. Remember, He doesn’t need our help, and He is always faithful to answer!
- “Be silent, O all flesh, before the LORD: for he is raised up out of his holy habitation.” – Zechariah 2:13
- It is vital that we take the time to listen to His Spirit. He speaks to our hearts whenever we call upon Him, but to hear, our souls must be quieted within us for God speaks in a still, small voice (I Kings 19:12).
David knew the value of prayer. The Psalms are full of his prayers to His Lord. Make time today to have a chat with God. He loves to hear from us!
Prayer: Dearest heavenly Father, thank You for loving me and desiring a personal relationship with me! Thank You for Your holy Word that speaks to my heart, and for Your Spirit that gives me understanding to the application of Your Word in my life. It is good to know that You desire to hear my prayers, wherein I can cast my burdens upon You, praise Your holy name, and seek Your unending forgiveness and direction. How blessed am I to be Your child! In Jesus’ sweet and precious name, I pray. Amen.
I come to the garden alone,
While the dew is still on the roses;
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear,
The Son of God discloses.
And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own,
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.
(from “I Come to the Garden Alone" by C. Austin Miles)
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“The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.” – Psalm 145:18