You have put gladness in my heart, More than in the season that their grain and wine increased. I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:7,8
An Evening Prayer of Trust in God by King David
The setting is the same as Psalm 3. David pleads for God’s help and warns his enemies not to wrong him because he is God’s own. David is able to rejoice despite his desperate circumstances, because all he cares about is God. The Lord, not his lost royal glory, is the source of his joy and the source of his inner peace. David’s experience when crushed by troubles show that prayer brings confidence, restored faith, and a present experience of peace.
4:1 O God of my righteousness can also be translated “O my righteous God.” The phrase has two meanings: 1) Only God is righteous. 2) All of a person’s righteousness is found in Him alone. The psalmist is facing a very pressing need, but his confidence in God remains especially strong. He addresses God in terms of His character – His “righteousness.” Then he speaks of God’s earlier saving works in his life: You have relieved me in my distress.
… Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness!
4:3 set apart: This is the central point of this psalm. God has identified the godly – those who devoted to God and His ways. He exercises special care over them and listens to their prayers.
3 But know that the Lord has set apart for Himself him who is godly; The Lord will hear when I call to Him
4:7 grain and wine: The joy God gives transcends the joy of the harvest. Agricultural produce, the result of abundant rain on fertile soil, was a blessing of God on His people. But there is something greater than full barns and overflowing cisterns – the joy of God’s presence.
7 You have put gladness in my heart, More than in the season that their grain and wine increased.
4:8 The peace that God gives is far from a relaxation technique. It is a peace that enables an anxious person to lie down and sleep.
8 I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
4 1 To the Chief Musician. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David. 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. 2 How long, O you sons of men, Will you turn my glory to shame? How long will you love worthlessness And seek falsehood? Selah 3 But know that the Lord has set apart 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. Selah 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. 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.
⇒ Only God is able to provide genuine joy, deep peace, and abiding safety.
An Evening Prayer of Trust in God
4 1 To the Chief Musician. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David. 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. 2 How long, O you sons of men, Will you turn my glory to shame? How long will you love worthlessness And seek falsehood? Selah 3 But know that the Lord has set apart 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. Selah 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. 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.
