28 January
Here me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me
when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer. Psalm 4:1
SUGGESTED FURTHER READING:
Matthew 1:18-25
David was in the uttermost
distress and, indeed, was almost consumed by a long series of calamities. But
he did not sink under his sorrow, nor was he so broken in heart that he could
not approach God as his deliverer.
In his prayer, David testifies
that, even when he is utterly deprived of all earthly succor, he can still hope
in God. Moreover, he addresses his Maker as the
God of his righteousness, which is like calling him the vindicator of his
right. David appeals to God this way because people everywhere are condemning
him. His innocence is besmirched by the slanderous reports of his enemies and
the perverse judgments of the common people.
We should carefully note David’s
reaction to this cruel and unjust treatment. For while nothing is more painful
to us than to be falsely condemned and to endure wrongful violence and slander
for doing well, such affliction often daily befalls the saints. It becomes us
to learn under such hardship to turn away from the enticements of the world and
to depend wholly upon God.
Righteousness is to be understood here as a good cause. David makes
God the witness of his own righteousness as he complains of the malicious and
wrongful conduct of men toward him. By his example, he teaches us that if our
uprightness is not acknowledged by the world, we should not despair because God
in heaven will vindicate our cause. Even the heathen know there is no better
stage for virtue than a man’s own conscience. But our greatest consolation is
to know that, when men vaunt themselves over us wrongfully, we may stand
righteous in the view of God and of the angels.
John Calvin
FOR MEDITATION: What comfort it
is to know that we are vindicated in the eyes of God! This knowledge eases the
intensity of the pain resulting from false accusations and a tarnished
reputation. Remember and emulate David’s reaction the next time that you suffer
for the right.
365 Days With Calvin
Selected and Edited by Joel R.
Beeke
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