BUT KNOW
PSALM 4:3-8
PSALM 4:3-8 NKJ
3 But know that the Lord has set apart for Himself him who is godly;
The Lord will hear when I call to Him.
4 Be angry, and do not sin.
Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Selah
5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness,
And put your trust in the Lord.
6 There are many who say,
"Who will show us any good?"
Lord, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us.
7 You have put gladness in my heart,
More than in the season that their grain and wine increased.
8 I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;
For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
These passages just keep getting longer and longer but know that it's for a reason. The theme of this psalm of David is an expression of his confidence in the Lord in the middle of trouble.
When we watch movies, we rarely ever see the hero call on God during a time of trouble. But know that's the movies, not reality.
David has a completely different perspective. He knows some things. He knows God has set apart those who pursue Him and His kingdom. David knows God will hear when he calls out to Him. He knows better than to sin when he is angry, so he mediates and is still. David knows to put his trust in the Lord. He knows God's light is greater than the voice of the doubters. He knows God's work in his heart is even greater than natural abundance and provision. David knows that God alone causes him to be safe so he can lay down and sleep. Other stuff will always be happening, but we know some things.
APPLICATION:
If you are answering your critics and your problems, what are the things that you know? What things can you push back into the face of problems and pressures?
What can you look at challenges and say . . . yeah, but I know this?
The 'but knows' are a good place to be in your life. But know this. Getting to a strong place of knowing is a process that is not an overnight deal. We start where we are in our confidence in God and then continue to grow from there.
Two important ingredients. We have to spend some time in fellowship with God and prayer. And spend time in fellowship with God in His word. Age does not cause confidence. Time with God brings a confidence that gives us gladness and peace.
PRAYER:
O Lord, You are the One who is the source of my confidence. The more I know You, the more my confidence grows, and the more I add to the 'but knows' in my life.