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Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, And put your trust in Jehovah.
By New Christian Bible Study Staff, Julian Duckworth
In Psalm 4:1-2, there's a foreshadowing of the Lord's severe temptations during his life on earth; it's very much like Jesus's despairing cry from the cross - "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?"
But then, in Psalm 4:3, there's confidence again that all is not lost, and that the Lord's love for us is powerful enough after all, to save us if we'll let him.
Next, in Psalm 4:4-8, there's a pep talk. It's pretty plain language; the genuine truth is right at the surface. It's not complicated, but it's hard to train ourselves to do these things:
- Stand in awe. Make time to focus on spiritual things.
- Sin not.
- Commune with your own heart.
- Be still.
- Sacrifice - give up things you love that lead you astray, and do what it takes to be righteous.
- Trust in Jehovah.
And then... good things will come. Spiritual peace. Dwelling in safety.
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For reference, see The Inner Meaning of Prophets and Psalms 254.