As we read today’s psalm we are introduced to a troubled man in deep anguish, crying out to a God above. But as we come to the end of the Psalm, we see that he finishes it with great faith and confidence in God. What made the psalmist to move from a place of supplication and uncertainty to a place of security and sureness?

​

There are a few things the psalmist understood about His God that enabled him to finish the psalm with great hope.

​

The first step to security in Christ is found in Psa. 4:3 “Know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord will hear when I call him.”  The psalmist understood that he was chosen by God and that God had a definite plan for his life and because of this relationship he shared with his Maker, he was sure to respond to his cry. Do we have this assurance today?

​

Ephesians 1:4 says “ he chose us in him before the foundation of this world.”  This God is the One who will provide for our every need. Look at your problems in the light of God’s power instead of looking at God in the shadow of your problem.

​

The second step that took the psalmist closer to sureness and security was his decision to have a clean heart and life. Psa. 4:4-5 says “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.” He was willing to stand before a righteous judge not to justify himself but allowing this judge to justify him. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says “He became sin for us that so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” This is what the Lord has done for us. He does not want us to dress our sin, nurse our sin or rehearse our sin. He wants us to confess our sins and find mercy. Allow the Lord to search your hearts today and to lead you in the way everlasting, offering him your sacrifices of total obedience and heart felt praises.

​

The third step for us to find our security in Christ is found in Psa. 4:7: “You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound.” Two kinds of joy are contrasted here. Inward joy that comes from knowing and trusting God and happiness that comes as a result of pleasant circumstances. Inward joy is steady as long as we trust God. Happiness is unpredictable. Inward joy defeats discouragement, it is lasting, while happiness is temporary. When the psalmist understood this, he chose the giver over the gifts.

​

Will the world we live in see in us this inward joy the psalmist is talking about? Do we have this joy in every season of our lives?

​

The psalmist having understood his position in the Lord, his pardon available in the Lord and his provision [both spiritual and material] is from the Lord , he could boldly end the psalm with this positive confession “I will lie and sleep in peace for you alone , O Lord make me dwell in safety.”

​

As we experience the Lord in our lives just as the psalmist did, may we too proclaim this promise in our lives.

​

​

Thought for the Day:

“There may be those on earth who dress better or eat better,

but those who enjoy the peace of God sleep better.”

~Anonymous

Listen - ‘He knows my name’