When angry, we have choices. We can “put it away” after we’ve told God about it and asked for His help, and thereby avoid “bitterness, wrath, slander, malice, and clamor,” then act on the truth that God has overlooked our mistakes, time and again. He’s given us His Spirit to continue on being “kind, tender-hearted, and forgiving” (Ephesians 4:31-32). We live in grace to give grace.
Let me share the context with you from other, more modern versions of Psalm 4 to put perspective to this command to be angry, yet not sin:
“O God, you have declared me perfect in your eyes; you have always cared for me in my distress; now hear me when I call again. Have mercy upon me. Hear my prayer…Mark this well: The Lord has set apart the redeemed for himself. Therefore he will listen to me and answer when I call to him. Stand before the Lord in awe, and do not sin against him. Lie quietly upon your bed in silent meditation. Put your trust in the Lord…Many say that God will never help us. Prove them wrong, O Lord, by letting the light of your face shine down upon us. Yes, the gladness you have given me is far greater than their joys at harvest time as they gaze at their bountiful crops. I will lie down in peace and sleep, for though I am alone, O Lord, you will keep me safe” (Psalm 4:1,3-8 The Living Bible).
And finally, from The Message we get an even more up-to-date interpretation:
“When I call, give me answers. God, take my side! Once, in a tight place, you gave me room; Now I’m in trouble again: grace me! hear me! Look at this: look who got picked by God! He listens the split second I call to him. Complain if you must, but don’t lash out. Keep your mouth shut, and let your heart do the talking. Build your case before God and wait for his verdict. Why is everyone hungry for more? ‘More, more,’ they say, ‘More, more.’ I have God’s more-than-enough, more joy in one ordinary day than they get in all their shopping sprees. At day’s end I’m ready for sound sleep, for you, God, have put my life back together” (Psalm 4:1, 3-8).
Has God, your God, done this for you? Are you able, though angry, to be grateful that He is there offering an alternative when we “tremble” from anger? Will you try this method of talking to Him and letting Him talk to you “on your bed,” in stillness? I’ve seen the work that this does in my heart and the clarity it gives my mind, so I can take action that comes from love: God’s love for me and for others. I want eternal results not quick retorts, or worse.
When I Call
Father of mercies and Lord of love, help me to do (want to do) what You say is possible. Let the anger I sometimes feel at the person or the situation not divide. May the accompanying frustration be expressed to You, not as a means to injure. Hold me still when I tremble and tell me Your thoughts again. Heal the hurt and wash the pain away. You accept me and know my heart. Help me trust and have confidence in Your plan for me and for others. Show me the path to forgiveness each time I’m tempted to hold out for my violated rights. When I want to scream back or walk away in rejection, remind me that we have a private place together where you’ll listen and give me Your truth. The other way is far too costly. Because of the cross and the promise it holds out to each one of us, Amen.
In This Twilight Hour
O Great God, who watches o’er us all,
Now help us in this twilight hour.
May we heed Thy Spirit’s gentle call,
Fill our hearts with fervent love and mighty pow’r.
O Great God, whose arm is strong to save,
Now turn our wayward steps to Thee.
Break the bonds of hate that now enslave,
Oh, restore our sight and set our spirits free.
Great God above, reach down in love
To heal the broken soul…
Begin in me for all the world to see,
The miracle of Your love.
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