“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! O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame? How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah
But know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD hears when I call to him. Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah
Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the LORD. There are many who say, “Who will show us some good? Lift up the light of your face upon us, O LORD!” You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound. In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.”
Psalm 4 (ESV)
June wept bitter tears as the judge proclaimed her divorce final. For thirty glorious years, she had been happy in a marriage of mirrors. All those years, memories included, formed one massive lie. All she had left was dishonor and shame. Everywhere she looked, she imagined people whispering about her behind their hands.
“It wasn’t you, mother,” her son insisted. “It was Dad who lived the lies. You have lived a Godly life before us. You have nothing to be ashamed of. It’s not your fault. Remember ‘that the Lord has set the godly apart for himself.’
Listening to the pastor’s sermon the following Sunday, June felt the warm embrace of God’s grace. The Holy Spirit confirmed that her trust in the Lord was not misplaced. She knew that tongues would wag and many would proclaim her a hypocrite. Despite the sorrow and hardship from this experience, June knew that God would restore gladness to her heart. Somehow, she knew that her future joy would be of a higher quality than she had ever experienced.
In bed that night, as June considered the circumstances, her future seemed bleak. She began to weep in prayer as the Word of God became alive to her. “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.”
Dear Father, thank you for your grace and mercy. Thank you for hearing us when we call. Thank you for setting us apart for yourself. Enable us to be faithful. We sincerely stand in awe as we commune with you. Empower us to be at peace and know that we live in the safety of your grace. In Jesus’ name. AMEN
Let us praise God for his embrace and live sacrificially,
Pastor Smith