“But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him” (Psalm 4:3, ESV). The phrase “set apart” in this verse reflects holiness. This, in turn, indicates the weightiness or substance that comes through living our life in Christ.
The King James Version of the Bible calls us peculiar in the world’s eyes, meaning special or set apart. “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9, KJV).
Two chapters later, Peter revealed the purpose of our peculiarity and its impact. “With respect to this, they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does” (1 Peter 4:4-6, ESV).
This should encourage you never to compromise your stand for righteousness nor lose your testimony as a countercultural Christian. Distresses will come from a mocking, slandering, cruel world, but you have been set apart by God himself, whose purpose is revealed by the Spirit.
We are also given this comforting assurance: “…the Lord hears when I call to him” (Psalm 4:3). As a set-apart people, we are called to show God’s glory, to demonstrate that something amazing exists that is different from anything the world has to offer.
David testified of the Lord, “You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound” (Psalm 4:7). David was saying that he had more treasure in the Lord than all the wealth these partiers could ever own.
A person of abundance can lack a truly, deeply rooted joy, but for the peculiar or set-apart person, joy is a continual reality. As people of God, we are fulfilled in heart while not distressed over what we may lack.
We pray that a hungry, waiting world will see the difference in us and find joy in the God of our salvation.
This devotional has been adapted from Gary Wilkerson’s book, The Altar of Our Hearts: An Expository Devotional on the Psalms.