Categories: Psalms

Psalm 4

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Answer Me When I Call

To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.

4   Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!
    You have given me relief when I was in distress.
    Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!
  O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame?
    How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah
  But know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself;
    the LORD hears when I call to him.
  Be angry, and do not sin;
    ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah
  Offer right sacrifices,
    and put your trust in the LORD.
  There are many who say, “Who will show us some good?
    Lift up the light of your face upon us, O LORD!”
  You have put more joy in my heart
    than they have when their grain and wine abound.
  In peace I will both lie down and sleep;
    for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

(ESV)

Psalm 4 Commentary

by Brad Boyles

A major NT theme for believers is the concept of perseverance. This is something David articulated well. If we look closely at this Psalm, we can see that David seems troubled. He is calling out to the Lord and pleading with Him to listen. He simply asks for grace and that the Lord would hear His prayer.

Yet, as we continue through the Psalm, we read David encouraging the reader to persevere relationally toward God. He believes that the Lord hears Him even though there is no indication that He has acted on David’s behalf. David urges himself (and us) to continue to plow forward.

Tremble, and do not sin; Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah. 5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, And trust in the LORD.

Psalms 4:4-5 NASB

David understood that even if things got really bad, He knew God was still in control. He believed it with all his heart. He had incredible trust and resilient faith. The circumstances David faced when he wrote this were most likely awful. But he would not let that deter his faith or his worship of his Father. He continued to seek and call out to the Lord, just as we must do as well.

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