#585 Some Lessons from David in Absalom's Rebellion and Unresolved Conflict Psalm 4
When we face unresolved conflict there is much we can learn from David in the midst of Absalom’s rebellion in Psalm 4.
David prays that the God of his righteousness who has relieved his distress in other situations will be gracious and hear his prayer now. Verse 1
He then prays for the ‘sons of men’—those who are opposing him. Psalm 4:2-3 ‘How long will you support what is vain and seek falsehood and untruth?’ The desire of his heart is that they realize that the LORD has set apart the one who seeks God—that David was set apart to be King, and that the LORD hears when he cries out to him.
He prays that they will ‘tremble and sin not.’ Psalm 4:4 The Septuagint reads “Be ye angry and sin not.” This is quoted in Eph 4:26! David is saying if you think you have just cause for anger, think it through before you act; “And be still” -- Quiet your thinking and LISTEN to Him.
He prays that they will ‘offer the sacrifices of righteousness’ and trust in the LORD Psalm 4:5 Offer sacrifice with right heart attitude—make the heart right with God, and trust in HIS way, not trusting in their own personal schemes.
David then brings up the response of many people to his situation: Many say ‘Who will show us the way to happiness and resolution’? Psalm 4:6 David’s response to this question is:
‘Lift up the light of Your countenance upon us, O LORD!’ YOU have the answer; and that answer is in the illumination provided from Your presence and favor in our lives.
David then testifies to the Lord’s power and work in his heart, Psalm 4:7-8
‘YOU have given me more joy than when the harvest is plentiful,’ than when earthly cares are taken care of, and life seems secure. ‘I am able to lay down and sleep,’ even in the midst of Absalom’s rebellion, ‘because YOU ALONE make me to dwell and remain in security and safety.’
We know, LORD, that all resolution and joy is from you.
In the midst of the unresolved ‘rebellion’ of circumstance, we claim the Light and illumination of Your Truth and Perspective which calms the heart and makes it possible to truly rest, knowing that YOU ALONE are our source of security and safety.
When we face unresolved conflict there is much we can learn from David in the midst of Absalom’s rebellion in Psalm 4.
David prays that the God of his righteousness who has relieved his distress in other situations will be gracious and hear his prayer now. Verse 1
He then prays for the ‘sons of men’—those who are opposing him. Psalm 4:2-3 ‘How long will you support what is vain and seek falsehood and untruth?’ The desire of his heart is that they realize that the LORD has set apart the one who seeks God—that David was set apart to be King, and that the LORD hears when he cries out to him.
He prays that they will ‘tremble and sin not.’ Psalm 4:4 The Septuagint reads “Be ye angry and sin not.” This is quoted in Eph 4:26! David is saying if you think you have just cause for anger, think it through before you act; “And be still” -- Quiet your thinking and LISTEN to Him.
He prays that they will ‘offer the sacrifices of righteousness’ and trust in the LORD Psalm 4:5 Offer sacrifice with right heart attitude—make the heart right with God, and trust in HIS way, not trusting in their own personal schemes.
David then brings up the response of many people to his situation: Many say ‘Who will show us the way to happiness and resolution’? Psalm 4:6 David’s response to this question is:
‘Lift up the light of Your countenance upon us, O LORD!’ YOU have the answer; and that answer is in the illumination provided from Your presence and favor in our lives.
David then testifies to the Lord’s power and work in his heart, Psalm 4:7-8
‘YOU have given me more joy than when the harvest is plentiful,’ than when earthly cares are taken care of, and life seems secure. ‘I am able to lay down and sleep,’ even in the midst of Absalom’s rebellion, ‘because YOU ALONE make me to dwell and remain in security and safety.’
We know, LORD, that all resolution and joy is from you.
In the midst of the unresolved ‘rebellion’ of circumstance, we claim the Light and illumination of Your Truth and Perspective which calms the heart and makes it possible to truly rest, knowing that YOU ALONE are our source of security and safety.
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