Psalm 4
Answer when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and answer my prayer.
How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods? Know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord will hear when I call to him.
In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Offer right sacrifices and trust in the Lord. Many are asking, “Who can show us any good?” Let the light of your face shine upon us, O Lord. You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
A Thought
David offers this psalm as a prayer to his righteous God to receive his mercy with an answer to relieve his distress. It appears that God answers David. First with a question, “How long will you turn my glory into shame, love delusions and seek false gods?” God tells David not to sin, but to search his heart, offer right sacrifices and for him to trust in the Lord. Then David responds for the Lord to shine the light of his face to show his goodness toward him. Lastly, David offers praise to God for answering his prayer by filling his heart with joy, giving him peace to sleep and by making him dwell in safety.
Our Prayer
Father search our heart for any wrong delusions or false gods that we may have that will separate us from you. Help us to be still and listen as you speak to us with the light of your word so you can fill our hearts with great joy and peace that we may receive your peace and dwell safety in you. We ask in Jesus’ name, amen.
