Thoughts for the Day

Answer me when I call, O God of my right!
You gave me room when I was in distress.
Be gracious to me, and hear my prayer.

How long, you people, shall my honour suffer shame?
How long will you love vain words, and seek after lies?
But know that the Lord has set apart the faithful for himself;
the Lord hears when I call to him.

When you are disturbed, do not sin;
ponder it on your beds, and be silent.
Offer right sacrifices,
and put your trust in the Lord.

There are many who say, ‘O that we might see some good!
Let the light of your face shine on us, O Lord!’
You have put gladness in my heart
more than when their grain and wine abound.

I will both lie down and sleep in peace;
for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

There's an old fashioned saying about "not throwing your toys out of the pram". In days gone-by when parents bought one 'silver-cross' pram it was like having a coach on wheels, and the pram would live on for generations being handed from one sibling to the next, and indeed onto later grandchildren. Now the all-singing all-dancing modern version masquerades as carrycot, car seat, and pushchair and is smaller. The baby or toddler could have a number of toys in a pram, and at the first sign of not getting their own way (which starts early) could react by throwing anything they could grasp out of the pram and onto the floor, so depriving themself of their toys, upon which the child gets even more angry!

The phrase can be applied to situations where in frustration or anger we react in a way that harms ourselves ultimately. In Psalm 4 David simply wants to be at peace within himself and offer God a prayer. We might give this psalm the title of "Peace! Be still!" Set for an Evening Service it is appropriate for at night where problems are often magnified. But it's much more than that. David knows God has helped him in the past when he was "in distress" so he simply asks Him to be "gracious ... and hear my prayer". He is much more concerned about those who support him, warning them against letting their emotions drag them into committing sin, for this would adversely affect them. He argues that they should not allow their feelings to override their faith in God. Anger, even righteous anger, can lead a person into sin.

When we are angry at some event in our life or in the world, we too need to be careful, and turn to God in prayer rather than allow such anger to fester in us which can lead sin.

Heavenly Father,
when we are tempted to 'throw
our toys out of the pram'
in frustration or anger
at some situation or some person
that has upset us,
help us to gain a true perspective,
and to ask for Your help.
May we not fall into sin ourselves,
but turn to You.
Amen.