Psalms – Prayers of Honesty
David asks a great question of all of us on this earth today, “Why is everyone hungry for MORE?” “More, more,” they say. More in the bank account. More family. More houses. More vehicles. More things to enjoy. More time to enjoy it. We always want a little bit more.Then David responds to his own question with testimony of God’s relationship with him. “I have God’s more-than-enough, more joy in one ordinary day than they get in all their shopping sprees.” Ouch. I do love to shop. My family knows that, but I love the game of shopping, conquering the best deal, more than the shopping itself. None the less, the greater question above all is what gives us more joy in a day?
Psalm 4, The Message
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!
2 You rabble—how long do I put up with your scorn?
How long will you lust after lies?
How long will you live crazed by illusion?
3 Look at this: look
Who got picked by God!
He listens the split second I call to him.
4-5 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.
6-7 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
7-8 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.
SOMETHING TO CHEW…We are approaching the time when people will post their “thankfulness” on social media. Let’s not miss the point of David’s Psalm-prayer to God. His joy is not linked to the things God has given to him or even how He provides for his needs and protects him. His joy is in God alone. God is his contentment. God means more to David than anyone or anything else. If David posted on social media today, what would be his comment on gratefulness? “For you, Yahweh, have put my life back together.” “I have God’s more-than-enough.” I have God and He has me.
HEART CHECK
Do we associate our gratitude and praise for what God gives or simply who God is?
Is God our more-than-enough?
Do we need more?
More of what?
At the end of the day, who puts life together for us?
Dear Heavenly Father,
David’s conversational prayer with you is such a great example of an honest heart with a mind focused on You. You are our more-than-enough. You are God and we are not. You are all powerful, have all the glory, as evident in the works of Your creation, yet we are more valuable to You over all. You came down to save us. Yes, at the end of the day, you have put my life back together. YOU are my more-than-enough. Thank you.
In Jesus Name, Amen
