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. Psalm 4: 1-5
What words come to mind when you hear or think of the word holiness? I think of pure and perfect. Did the words glad or joy come to you? Can you see the correlations between the two? I am not sure if I can, so let’s learn this aspect together!!
In the passage above what characteristics of ungodly people do you see in this passage? Well, it says that honor is being turned to shame and that the ungodly love vain words and lies. This also has a hint of self satisfactory of what brings them what they want. David does the opposite of the ungodly and professes his love for holiness and his diligent intent to be pleasing to God. What are some characteristics of the godly according to the scripture above?
David found himself under attack when he chose the direction of holiness. Do you find yourself in the same situation? How do you feel when in this situation? David didn’t feel sorry for himself. He wasn’t miserable or depresses. In verse 7 of Psalm 4, he describes his conditions like this – “you have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.” Wow!! He had joy. This is the experience we can have when we choose holiness and reject sin.
David was not perfect! He did fall into horrible sin. Eventually, he did repent and received God’s great mercy. Read Psalm 32. This is a personal record of David’s testimony. When we sin, we think we get pleasure from this sin. However, What did David discover the way to participate in true blessing? Hebrews 1: 9 says this, “You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.” The fruit of holiness is gladness and joy. What is the true pathway to gladness and joy according to David and Jesus?
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your joy and gladness. I pray that we will choose to have holiness in our lives. I pray that when we choose holiness and are suffering because of it that we will have the joy and gladness in our hearts.
In Jesus Name
Amen
