The Story of Psalm 4, Part VI

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Title: The Story of Psalm 4, Part VI ------------------- Date: 7/19/2002
Keywords: "distress" "prayer" "problem" "struggle"
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Passage: Psalm 4* (Focus on verse 8)

1. Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; be gracious to me and hear my prayer.

2. Sons of men, how long will my honor become a reproach? How long will you love what is worthless and aim at deception? Selah.

3. But know that the LORD has set apart the godly man for himself; the LORD hears when I call to him.

4. Tremble, and do not sin; meditate in you heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.

5. Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and trust in the LORD.

6. Many are saying, "Who will show us any good?" Lift up the light of your countenance upon us, O LORD!

7. You have put gladness in my heart, more than when their grain and new wine abound.

8. In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for you alone, O LORD, make me to dwell in safety.

Questions

1. According to verse 8, what is the writer able to do?

 

2. On what does he base his security?

 

3. Have you learned this lesson yet? Can you give an example of this type of trust in your own life?

 

Practical help

We have reached the last verse of this beautiful little psalm. Reading a little behind the lines, I imagine the writer had experienced difficult challenges in his life. Perhaps he had fallen into a sinful lifestyle at some point. But now he is choosing to live a clean life (not that he’s perfect, that’s why he’s praying for help).

Although living a pure life before God is a noble quest, it is not without its challenges. He could have felt like he was now a member of the minority (perhaps he felt utterly alone) and therefore, fearful when comparing himself to the numbers and zeal of those choosing to seek the broader path of illicit pleasures. And could it be that he was plagued with the recurring thought that he might weaken and turn away from pursuing God?

What he then discovered was that, because God was on his side, he was living a life of meaning and that others were able to see this. Because of his stand, others were gaining strength to turn from their addictions and seek the God who delivered him. Finally, following the initial feelings of dread, he discovered that he was actually walking a path of true happiness and contentment. None of this had to do with what he had done for himself, but had to do with his reliance on God’s strength.

Whether or not, that’s the actual circumstances of the writer of this psalm, I can’t say, but I can say, it pretty well describes my own path. How about you? If you would like to respond, click here.

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*"Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, © Copyright The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995. Used by permission."