Psalm 4

Introduction to Psalm 4

Let us read what it says:

Psalm 4 NKJV

To the Chief Musician. With Stringed Instruments. A Psalm of David. 1 Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer. 2 How long, O you sons of men, Will you turn my glory to shame? How long will you love worthlessness And seek falsehood? Selah 3 But know that the Lord has set apart for Himself him who is godly; The Lord will hear when I call to Him. 4 Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Selah 5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, And put your trust in the Lord. 6 There are many who say, “Who will show us any good?” Lord, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us. 7 You have put gladness in my heart, More than in the season that their grain and wine increased. 8 I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

This is the first Psalm we have that has a note to the musical conductor. And the author is David. A Lament and a Psalm of confidence. This could be a follow on from Psalm 3 when he fled from his son Absalom but we are not told it is and, personally, I do not think so.

1

David calls out to God. Hear me! Answer me! Probably this is how it is when we pray sometimes. There is an air of desperation because there is no resolving this with God’s intervention. David, again shows he is reliant upon God. And He is the God of my justice. God can make things right for me. People are slandering David and accusing him yet he is innocent.

And because of answers to prayer in the past He knows God can work things out now. Because God answered me in the past surely He will not leave me in struggles and distress now so God, be gracious and hear, for David is saying: I know you will hear.

2

No trial is pleasant in the moment. How long, Lord, how long? It seems that those who are causing trouble for David and the rich and powerful. But all is vanity and beating at the air for it achieves nothing of worth in the end. The motive of the rich and powerful always seems to be for more riches and more power. But what is the point?

3

But the godly are not like this and God treats each group of people differently. David is not saying riches and power are wrong but what are you doing with such a responsibility. To do what is right or to gain more for yourselves? God sees, and God hears those who are godly. By implication this means he does not listen to those who are not.

4

So David says to these rich and powerful enemies of his to be careful that their anger should not be used against God’s people. Think carefully about what you do.

5

Instead you should do righteousness and justice and trust God.

6

Look at this question in verse 6: Who will show us some good? Yet these people are rich and powerful but they are complaining. They are not content. They are not trusting God. Yet they were looking for more blessing from God. Their desire is insatiable for more of what does not satisfy.

7

Yet, David says I am full of gladness and joy for I am content with what God has given me. Yet they, they will never be happy even though their possessions abound and keep on abounding.

8

The inner contentment and lack of a desire to be rich for the sake of being rich enables him to sleep peacefully (which we also saw in Psalm 3). Yet when you are not content you are worried that you are going to lose what you have yet they have more than enough.

And because David is reliant upon God he knows he can live in God’s security.

Conclusion

At the beginning of this Psalm David was worried but by the end of it has confidence in God. And this can only be learned by experience. Whatever the situation cry out to God. Jesus said that if you ask for anything in my name you will be answered. And after praying let God do His work by giving you peace in the midst of your trouble.

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