BIG IDEA:
UNJUSTIFIED REPROACH AND REJECTION SHOULD NOT DISTURB THE QUIET CONFIDENCE OF THE GODLY LEADER
I. (:1) PRESENT PETITION FOR HELP INSPIRED BY PAST RELIEF
A. Answered Prayer is the Goal for Petition for Help
“Answer me when I call”
“hear my prayer”
B. Righteousness and Grace is the Grounds for Petition for Help
“O God of my righteousness”
“Be gracious to me”
C. Past Deliverance is the Confidence for Petition for Help
“Thou hast relieved me in my distress”
II. (:2-3) PLEA FOR RENEWED LOYALTY BASED ON GOD’S APPROVAL
Probably the context is the same as in Psalm 3 where David is facing the problem of Absalom’s rebellion. The leading men of the nation were forced to choose sides and determine whether they would remain loyal to David or go over to Absalom’s camp.
Once in Absalom’s camp they still could repent and renew their loyalty to God’s appointed king. It was an ongoing struggle over loyalties.
A. It is a Mistake to Reject the Godly (Despite his Present Reproach)
1. A Mistake to Show Reproach where Respect was due
“O sons of men, how long will my honor become a reproach?”
2. A Mistake to Value what is Worthless Rather Than Priceless
“How long will you love what is worthless”
3. A Mistake to Choose Deception Over Truth
“and aim at deception?”
B. It is Prudent to Renew Loyalty to Those Leaders Whom God Has Approved
1. God Approves of the Godly
“But know that the Lord has set apart the godly man for Himself”
2. Answered Prayer Is One Stamp of the Lord’s Approval
“The Lord hears when I call to Him”
III. (:4-5) PRESCRIPTION FOR ENDURING REPROACH AND REJECTION
A. Fear of God
“Tremble, and do not sin”
B. Quiet Meditation
“Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still”
C. Sacrifices of Righteousness
“Offer the sacrifices of righteousness”
D. Trust in the Lord
“And trust in the Lord”
IV. (:6-8) PEACE AND JOY SHOULD CHARACTERIZE THE QUIET CONFIDENCE OF THE GODLY
A. God’s Goodness is Just Around the Corner
1. Despite the Discouraging Words of those whose Faith is Failing
“Many are saying, ‘Who will show us any good?’”
2. Because of the Persevering Prayer of those whose Faith Never Quits
“Lift up the light of Thy countenance upon us, O Lord”
B. God’s Gladness Is Already in My Heart
“Thou hast put gladness in my heart,
More than when their grain and new wine abound.”
C. God’s Peace and Security Surround Me
“In peace I will both lie down and sleep,
For Thou alone, O Lord, dost make me to dwell in safety.”