Stand in awe, and don’t sin. Search your own heart on your bed, and be still. Selah.

Offer the sacrifices of righteousness. Put your trust in Yahweh. (Psalm 4:4-5)

We see this verse quoted in Ephesians 4:26, “In your anger do not sin.” There it is written to New Testament believers. In this context David is addressing his Old Testament enemies; the wicked unbelievers whose purpose is to cause David great harm.

With confidence, even boldness, David alerts his enemies to the harm that will befall them if their anger overflows to violence. He is encouraging his enemies to search their hearts and consider the arrogance and stupidity of fighting against God!

We live in a New Testament world, yet this Old Testament plea and warning applies to us. There are people in our lives who spit into the wind with angry outbursts. Perhaps, our own ability to quell anger within makes us as guilty as those Old Testament enemies.

Today is a good day to heed David’s prayer. “Stand in awe” of Him Who reconciles us to Himself. Take great care and caution when railing against our Lord. This is a good day to search our own hearts and asking the Holy Spirit to come along side us and lead us to the same kind of confidence David showed. Let’s “offer the sacrifices of righteousness” and glorify Him by our quiet peace in Him. Justice, true justice, is a product of knowing God. Be just in your thoughts, words and deeds. Trust God to deliver.

Be a blessing today.