Knowing The Word in Psalm 4

Answer Me When I Call

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

1 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!

2 O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame? How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah 3 But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him.

4 Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah 5 Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the Lord.

6 There are many who say, “Who will show us some good? Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord!” 7 You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.

8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Comments

Psalm 4 seems to be a companion to Psalm 3, picking up the themes of lament and of being in a difficult situation. It is spoken with confidence because of the writer’s history with God. He knows God has come through in the past and will come through for him again. The caution in this psalm is that when one is angry, one must not sin by seeking revenge. Instead, we are to trust in the Lord who fills our hearts with joy.

Prayer

Lord, be with my spirit, and dwell in my heart by faith. Oh, make me such as I should be towards thee, and such as thou mayest take pleasure in me. Be with me everywhere and at all times, in all events and circumstances of my life; to sanctify and sweeten to me whatever befalls me; and never leave nor forsake me in my present pilgrimage here, till thou hast brought me safe through all trials and dangers to be ever with thee, there to live in thy sight and love, world without end.

Benjamin Jenks, 1646-1724