Grace Notes

Psalm 4 (New International Version)

A psalm of David.

 ¹ Answer me when I call to you,
       O my righteous God.
       Give me relief from my distress;
       be merciful to me and hear my prayer.

 ² How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame?
       How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?
       Selah

 ³ Know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself;
       the LORD will hear when I call to him.

 ⁴ In your anger do not sin;
       when you are on your beds,
       search your hearts and be silent.
       Selah

 ⁵ Offer right sacrifices
       and trust in the LORD.

 ⁶ Many are asking, “Who can show us any good?”
       Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD.

 ⁷ You have filled my heart with greater joy
       than when their grain and new wine abound.

 ⁸ I will lie down and sleep in peace,
       for you alone, O LORD,
       make me dwell in safety.

So we may ask, “Who shows us good?”
There will be times in your faith journey when you will be called upon to help strengthen the faith of others. Yes, even you.  On this journey you have a faith and a strength that others can see.

Psalm 4 is about a man who is strong in his own faith but is struggling with friends who have lost sight of God because of difficult times. How often have friends, family members, co-workers, neighbors and even acquaintances leaned on your strength, your advice, your wisdom? All of which come from faith. 

You can recall your experiences of God’s presence and unfailing love during times of chaos and during the rough patches of life. God’s presence and unfailing love and how with God’s real (though invisible) help, you can help your friends remember as well.

There is lots of negative realities right now, economic downturns, grief, heartbreak, loss of jobs, lay offs, and God’s reality may be questioned. Some people think that God has caused these things to happen, or He has turned his back on them. This is the time when you—yes, you – can listen to the pain of their experience, and remind the sufferer that God has a 100% track record of standing by and holding up the people of God.

There is a gift that we learn during tough times. Stuff does not make us happy, people do. A big house may not be a Home. A small trailer filled with love and people we love can be a Blessed Home. Our identity, strength and life’s meaning does not come from stuff, it comes from God. God gave us the gift of life and what we do with that life is our gift to God. Tough times are a great way to remember what is really important in this life and help us to remind others when they reach out to you.

We, the faithful are the visible grace of God. He may just be tapping you to help strengthen the faith of someone who feels weak.

Short Prayer: Dear God, this week, even in my own difficulties and weakness of faith, help me to help others remember that You have promised to never abandon Your children. Jesus Christ and Buddha were both a sure sign of your unfailing love. Help us to remember, Lord! Amen.

Peace and Blessings
Chaplain Grace