So the Lord was sorry that He had made mankind on the earth, and He was grieved [g]in His heart. Genesis 6:6 NASB Was sorry – There is perhaps no greater theological conundrum than God’s emotional expressions. Divine emotions are the ultimate stumbling block for Western philosophical theology. No, it’s not the problem of evil, nor is it why bad…
In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You alone, Lord, have me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8 NASB Dwell in safety – Is God ruthless? We’re quite comfortable with the idea of God’s benevolence, but we probably bristle at the thought that God might be ruthless. Ruthlessness is such a negative concept. We want a God…
In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You alone, Lord, have me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8 NASB In peace – David was a man of war. That’s why he was not allowed to build the Temple. But even a man of war desires something other than war. Peace. Not a common occurrence in the history…
You have put joy in my heart, more than when their grain and new wine are abundant. Psalm 4:7 NASB Joy – You might have thought the end of the phrase should be “the pursuit of happiness,” but you will find that happiness is a rather ephemeral objective. Why? Happiness is that state of feeling contentment…
Many are saying, “Who will show us anything good?” Lift up the light of Your face upon us, Lord! Psalm 4:6 NASB Anything good – I don’t like to watch the evening news. I’m addicted to it, but I don’t like it. Why? Because it’s so depressing. All I hear about is the utter corruption and destructive…
Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and trust in the Lord. Psalm 4:5 NASB Sacrifices of righteousness – What are the sacrifices of righteousness? We need to know if we’re going to follow this command. We don’t want to make mistakes. We don’t want to ignore what is necessary? We want to do what God demands. So, we have to…
Tremble, and do not sin; meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah Psalm 4:4 NASB Tremble – Do you suppose that Paul had this verse in mind when he wrote, “ Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,” (Ephesians 4:26). Commentators seem to think so. Perhaps that’s…
But know that the Lord has set apart the godly person for Himself; the Lord hears when I call to Him. Psalm 4:3 NASB Set apart – “Your mission, should you choose to accept it, . . .” The famous line from every Mission Impossible episode. It seems appropriate here as well. God may set you apart, but you still have to…
But know that the Lord has set apart the godly person for Himself; the Lord hears when I call to Him. Psalm 4:3 NASB The godly person – Wait a minute! If God holds the righteous man in such high regard, what about Job? Did the psalmist simply ignore that story? Doesn’t this verse imply that God responds to the “godly…
