In Awe of God
“But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him. Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.” Psalm 4.3, 4 Several theologians suggest that Psalm 4 and Psalm 3 are connected in an historical context. This context is associated with Absalom’s hostile pursuit of David in an attempt to wrest the kingdom from his father. One can only imagine the mixture of emotions that flooded David’s heart and soul. Here was his treasured son rebelling and giving no thought of his father’s love. Furthermore, he considered nothing as important as his own, personal desires.
Quite often David had been reminded by a word from the prophets and directly from God that he should wait upon the Lord – that he should strengthen his own heart in the promises of God. (Psalm 27.14; 37.34) It seems that he could have avoided many pitfalls had he understood the promise offered to the writer of the Proverbs: “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” (Proverbs 3.5)
Yet, here again David was faced with some of the personal monsters with which he contended throughout his life.
In the midst of his turmoil, God spoke to him and told him to “Stand in awe, and sin not.” The Hebrew word which translates “Stand in awe” is a word that suggest the individual is trembling and shaking. It may suggest a quiet contemplation, but that’s not a normal understanding of the word. It better suggests an attention to self-discipline when entertaining the “fight or flight” explosion of emotions. Because of Absalom’s betrayal against his father, David was seeing red. His emotions and thinking were conflicted. His reasoning powers were blurred by his erupting emotions. What should he do? How should he handle Absalom?
God’s admonition to David was not to allow his emotions to get the better of him. How many times have we lashed out and acted rashly or spoken harshly only to later wish we had done or said nothing? How many times have we yielded our testimony in an emotional fit of anger when we lost control?
This Old Testament exhortation follows a New Testament teaching offered by Paul to: “Be ye angry, and sin not….” (Ephesians 4.26a) We should guard our hearts for out of them proceed the issues of life. (Proverbs 4.23) We should control our tongues for with it we can either bless or curse. (James 3.10, 11) We should study God’s ways for we can be assured that He will set apart the righteous from the unrighteous. (II Timothy 2.15) We should be still in the face of conflict and know that He is God and He will do the right thing. (Genesis 18.25)
When we reach a boiling point we are much better off to: “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46.10) God’s way is always best; however, sometimes we need to stop, withdraw, and allow Him to be God. Copyright © 2025 Dr. John H. Hill, All rights reserved.
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