Psalm 4 Sunday, 20 September 2020
“For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” -Psalm 4:8
Psalm 4 is a prayer of David during his time of distress. He prayed to God to receive help, to overcome his situations when Absalom was trying to kill him and wanted to become king instead. Though the Psalm starts on a note of distress, we see David’s confidence at the end as He understands that the Lord alone could make him dwell in safety.
Amongst David’s adherents during his time of distress there were many who doubted and lost confidence, anticipating nothing! Sometimes God’s people can be so discouraging! We find David listening to people saying, “who will show us any good?” David’s own men were discouraged. They were going through trial and some were saying, “Oh David this is the end. God is no longer going to help us.” That’s something hard to take. It’s tough when your associates and friends say to you: “Well you have reached the end! Who will show us any good?” [Adapted from W.W.Wiersbe]
During this period of trials, David did not doubt. He had the confidence that he is a chosen one and the Lord will hear his prayer. David’s faith helped him to overcome his enemies and the assaults against him. Even during our times of troubles we should stand strong in faith because His favour will shine upon us. [Psalms 80:3].
In Psalm 4:3 David emphasizes two things:
You are a chosen one! “Remember that the Lord has chosen the righteous for his own…”(V.3a) David tries to stress that we need to know we are God’s chosen ones, his separate and sealed ones; and that we will come out victorious. We need to move forward with the confidence that God will take care of us. 1 Peter 5:7[NLT] says, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”
Your prayers are heard! “The Lord will hear when I call to Him.”(V.3b) The Lord our God who created us does not turn away from our cries. He sees our times of struggles. Believe that He will hear your call! God speaks to us in Isaiah 65:24: “It shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear.” His promise again in Psalm 91:15: “He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him.”
The chapter began with David crying out to the Lord in his time of distress. But when he trusted the Lord, his sorrows changed into joy (V.7: “You have put gladness in my heart…”). David believed the Lord could deliver him and he was at peace. David concludes his Psalm by saying, “I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for you alone. O LORD, make me dwell in safety.” And that is without a doubt the safest rest we will ever have— an assurance to those who rests in Jesus, rests well!
As children of God, we have that privilege to pray for guidance to overcome every difficulty in life that can ultimately become victories—that is, when we put our trust in Him! And God will give us His peace and joy in resting and abiding in Him!
Prayer: Lord Jesus give me the wisdom as Your chosen child, to understand my rights in You, that will fulfil your will in our life. May Your peace and joy rest in me always! Amen
Listen: ‘A Strong Tower’