Ok, Lord, I'm Hurt And Angry. Now What? Series

* This Psalm was written by King David at the time when Absalom, his son, had taken over the capitol, Jerusalem, and David and those loyal to him were leaving.

* It was his sad recollection of the sad parade leaving the palace.

* It was in time of sad memories of his feelings of betrayal by one whom he loved.

* It was in light of the lies and painful things Absalom was saying.

* It is a good guide in our dealing with hurts, offenses and painful actions of others.

* We all get hurt. There are always misunderstandings.

* Sometimes, things are said that are painful to us.

* It is much more simple and easy to live like a Christian when you are not hurting.

* Really, our lives speak little to others about our Christian life when we are not offended.

* However, when we get hurt, when painful words are said, our response is the real test of whether Christ made a real difference in our lives.

* Theoretically, Christians should live with the pain of offenses different than those who have not tasted that Jesus Christ is good.

* Being in pain is the greatest test of the difference Jesus makes in our lives.

* God wants to teach us how to respond in life the right way, even when we are hurt.

* So much so, He came down to become a man to show us how to love in pain, respond in grace and “swear to our own hurt and not change” Psalms 15:4.

* Jesus showed us how, told us to do it, and empowers us to succeed.

* However, we all must grow up to that point because it is not easy, especially when your feelings are hurt.

Psa 4:1 To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Psalm of David. Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have given me relief when I was in distress. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!

* This was a common plea for psalms because it was a common beginning for prayers.

* When you are offended or hurt, however, be assured that God is working.

* He is working on your life and in the life of the one who offended you.

* He will answer your prayer, your call, when you pray about the offense and the offender.

* He has and will act righteously in your life and the life of your offender.

* He has and will move in a way to give you relief from the pain and distress.

* He is gracious and He hears your prayers.

Psa 4:2 O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame? How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah

* In David's prayer, he expresses his discomfort. Yes, it hurts.

Heart pain can be slower to heal than body pain.

* David's focus here, however, is on two things; those who hurt him and how long he will be suffering this offense.

* We often ask, oh how long will this hurt?

* Or, we ask, how many times will I have to endure this disrespectful treatment from this person?

* Peter asked this question in Matthew 18.

* “How many times should I forgive my brother? Seven times? (meaning completely)

Matthew 18:22 - “And Jesus said unto him, 'I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.'”

* Not just completely, but completely forever.

Psa 4:3 But know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD hears when I call to him.

* “Selah”, the best we can tell, is a musical pause representing a change.

* Does anyone realize what the “King James, Seminary, Bible-scholar, theologically correct” word for “has set apart” is? “Has sanctified”.

* After the “Selah”, you can often recognize a shift: A shift in position, a shift in thought, a shift in attitude, a shift in focus, etc....

* In verse 2, the focus is on self and pain.

* In verse 3, after the “Selah”, the focus is on the sanctification process of God in our lives.

* Same subject (pain and offense), but different focus (from my hurt to what God is doing).

* God sanctifies His children. God allows offenses in our lives for our good, our purifying, our sanctification.

* It is not a matter of God not hearing our prayers, but God is going to continue to allow us to be hurt and offended until He accomplishes His purpose in our lives.

Psa 4:4 Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah.

* The Hebrew word “Ragaz”, Be angry, stand in awe, tremble (in fear or anger).