Psalm 4. written by David.

[In general, I've used the New King James Version - for discussion purposes, I've inserted other translations, especially in regard to verse (4); because, some versions present a slightly different emphasis - and it's worth noting these variations.]

1. Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.

[Of interest, the New International Version (NIV), translates this verse, as follows: 'Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer.' Notice the difference; the King James version, highlights that our righteousness comes from God; and, presents David's plea in the context of past prayers being answered, therefore an expectation that this prayer will also be answered. The 'past tense' aspect has been lost in the NIV translation.] 
         
2. How long, O you sons of men, Will you turn my glory to shame? How long will you love worthlessness. And seek falsehood? 

3. But know that the LORD has set apart (other versions have ‘made wonderful’) for Himself him who is godly; The LORD will hear when I call to Him.
         
4. Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still.  

(Other translations, provide a number of slight variations. New Living Translation: Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent. New American Standard Bible: ‘Tremble, and do not sin; Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still.’ The footnotes found in the NIV Study Bible – sheds some light on the translation of this verse: ‘An exhortation not to give way to exasperation or anxiety, it literally means ‘tremble‘ in anger or fear, but to look to the Lord.’ )

5. Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, And put your trust in the LORD.
         
6. There are many who say, “Who will show us (any) good?” LORD, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us. [Some commentators leave out the word 'any'.]

7. You have put gladness in my heart More than in the season that their grain and wine increased.

8. I will both lie down in peace, and sleep. For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

Discussion

I like the King James version of verse 1; God alone is the source of our righteousness.

It’s God who is the only source of our righteousness – nothing ‘in our hands we bring’, we cannot contribute to, or bring about, our righteousness. He is the perfecter of our faith. [Hebrews 12:2 (NLT): "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.']

This Psalm also demonstrates that before we do anything, we should first discuss the matter with God. In the gospels, we see that prior to any important event or decision, Jesus always retired to a quiet place and prayed to His Father. Likewise, we should follow the same pattern.

Verse 3, contains another great message – God has set-apart, a people for Himself.  John 10:27,28 (NIV): “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.”  Like David, we too, can be certain that God listens to our prayers, and will always respond in His perfect way. His response is aligned to His eternal plan – our prayers are not unexpected; He has already determined the path we will follow. We, who have been set-apart, are precious to our Lord – nothing can snatch us away from His side.

David’s pleads with those who are seeking a meaning for their lives in the pursuit of falsehoods or by gaining possessions or chasing the good life (food, wine and sex). He recommends that while they lie in bed at night, they should reflect on their lives, when the pressures and worries of their busy day have faded away. Hopefully, when reflecting during this quiet time, they tremble in fear, when they realise that some day, they will die and must face God.

David provides the only, real answer: to offer the sacrifices of righteousness (to undertake the good works that He has prepared for us, to do); and, to place our trust in the Lord (we do this though our belief in Jesus, and the power of the Holy Spirit).

I like what C.H. Spurgeon writes, in his book ‘The Treasury of David, regarding this verse (6): ‘There are many who say, “Who will show us any good?” LORD, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us.’  ‘Never satisfied, their gaping mouths are turned in every direction, their empty hearts are ready to drink in any fine delusion which imposters may invent; and when these fail, they soon yield to despair, and declare that there is no ‘good’ thing.

Likewise, his comment on the last half of this verse is equally well-expressed. ‘The light of God’s countenance is enough for a member of God’s flock. This is his riches, his honour, his health, his ambition and his ease. Give him this and he asks for no more.’

The peace of God provides us with a sense of spiritual well-being and ‘prosperity’ that exists for us independent of our worldly status. In Philippians 4:11-13 (New Living Translation), we read: “Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”

In John 14:27 (NLT): “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”  The ‘peace’ of this world is the absence of war or noise (emotional, financial,  or relational) – it is always temporary and a fleeting ‘peace’. Where-as, the peace delivered by God – is eternal rest with Him – it is the peace that comes from salvation, which brings joy, health (eternal life), contentment and love. There is nothing missing – God provides everything of true value.

The last verse – is the best – we have a foretaste of God’s peace when we are in a right relationship with Jesus.

We can soundly sleep in a sure, perfect and safe place; when we are at peace, with God. What more could we possibly want?

Any comments?

A reflection on Psalm 4

My Lord and My God, you alone heard my call for life.
You alone, looked for me and had mercy on my heart.
You have clothed me in your righteousness, given me a new start.
Blind as I was, I had done nothing to deserve your gift of sight.

My Lord and My God, how much longer will you tolerate this sinful place?
Will you come back soon, in your brilliant glory, to end this shameful show?
I yearn for your presence, I look forward to see your face, for your people to glow.
In the radiance of your perfect love; yet, I fear that many will fail to finish their race.

My Lord and My God; why is it, that so many cast your name away – in blind rage?
Do they meditate during their night, on why their loves, provide no real satisfaction?
You have filled my heart with joy and placed a deposit in me, a life-saving action.
On a cross paid the highest price, to guarantee a future free of tears and fears – an endless age.

There is nothing of this earth I want – all I desire, is Your love; to set me free from this world’s wrong.
I safely sleep during this stormy night, with You on watch guiding me home, to where I belong.

Posted on April 2nd, 2009 by Shayne
Filed under: General