Meditation on Psalm 4

Evening Prayer of Trust in God.

For the choir director; on stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.

1 Answer me when I call, can I be so bold to ask God to answer me whenever I call? Was it a plea from David who is also not quite sure, yet he still asks and demands? O God of my righteousness! Why God of my righteousness? Is there such a thing as my righteousness? Why not God of mercy, God of heaven and earth, but my righteousness?

You have relieved me in my distress; Ahh, not in all of my distress. will God always relieve me in my distress?

Be gracious to me and hear my prayer. Yes, how we need God's grace all the time!

2 O sons of men, how long will my honor become a reproach? Interesting how one prays to God and instructs fellow humans all at the same time. I also ponder where is my honor at times! Is it right to be so concerned about my honor? David doesn't seem to have any trouble with it!

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; What does it mean for the Lord to set apart someone?

The LORD hears when I call to Him. How blessed is one whom the Lord hears whenever he calls. How confident David is saying of himself, one who is set apart and one whom God hears whenever he calls! If David is so confident that God hears him when he calls on Him, why did he ask God to answer him when he calls in the beginning?

4 Tremble, and do not sin; Not sure how these two go together. When one trembles, does one tend to sin? If not, then why does David warn about not sinning? Does "tremble" have anything to do with "the fear of the Lord" which "is the beginning of wisdom" Prov. 9:10? Tremble in fear of God and do not sin.

Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah. Meditate in our sleep and God is delighted. Devotion does not need to take the form of rigidity, although it has its values too.

5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, To be righteous is more important than fame, recognition, prosperity ..., which the psalmists do not doubt will follow.

And trust in the LORD. This is the key to focus on righteousness first and foremost trusting God that everything else WILL follow.

6 Many are saying, "Who will show us any good?" In other words, who will show us the real benefits of following God? Will He deliver us?

Lift up the light of Your countenance upon us, O LORD! How we need to see the light of God's countenance ... not His countenance for we will all be consumed!

7 You have put gladness in my heart, For one who waits, God will provide reprieve. Cherish these moments, even though often times they are but brief moments!

More than when their grain and new wine abound. The joy of the Lord is better than all material rewards!

8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep, Just like Psalm 3:5. Being able to rest in peace is a blessing!

For You alone, O LORD, make me to dwell in safety. There is only one place to find safety, true safety!