Reflections on the Psalms
PSALM 4
One of the most important characteristics of David was that he was a
man of prayer. Day and night, David was aware of the presence of his God, and
he gained strength from that awareness. A good example of this is found in
Psalm 4. This Psalm may have been written at night just prior to David going to
bed.
Verse 1 shows David’s attitude as he began to present his prayer to
God. Although we may not use the same words, the thoughts should be just the
same when we address God the Father in prayer. As David begins his petition to
God, it is clear that he is dealing with serious problems. Yet, there is no
hint of pity or resentfulness. Instead, his first thoughts were directed toward
those that were marching against him. David was God's anointed. As such, it was
the Lord's will that the people follow him - not fight against him. David knew
that, in spite of those against him, the Lord would hear him and answer his
prayer.
In the next two verses, David may have directed his thoughts to others
that may be with him. We know from 1 Kings that there were many times where
David and his followers were out numbered and fugitives. It would be easy for
some to become discouraged, tired, and angry. But David wrote, "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." That principle
would echo down through the centuries to Paul's words to the church in
Ephesus, "In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you
are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold".
The lesson of David's words are equally valid today. Yet, how often,
when we are faced with a real problem, do we heed the words of David? How often
do we go to bed while we are filled with distress and anger? Do we sleep well?
Do we wake up rested? No.
Then, the next day, we try to deal with our problems ALONE, and the
last thing we will experience will be peace and rest. David understood that.
Many years of his life were spent as a fugitive. Yet, he could find rest! How?
David wrote . . ."offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put
your trust in_ the Lord". In time of trial, the time we spend just before
going to bed can be very important for us. A few moments or minutes need to be
used to consider the day, and involve the Lord in helping us. In prayer, we can
ask for help from the Lord. But do we REALLY believe that the Lord helps us?
One way we can know the answer to this question is to examine our practice of
prayer.
How often do you pray? Where does prayer fit into your thoughts in
dealing with problems? If prayer is not one of the FIRST things that you do,
then you are either robbing yourself of one of the greatest sources of aid
available, or you do not really believe that prayer works. Think on these
things! Think about David's dependence on the Lord, and compare it to your
dependence upon the Lord.
Finally, in the evening we can get our priorities straight once again.
We can pause to count our blessings, and turn the worry over to the Lord. He
can handle it - we usually cannot.
We don't know all the thoughts that went through David's mind as he
wrote this Psalm. But in spite of how tired he was, in spite of how much danger
he was in, he remembered to trust and praise the Lord. We have the PROMISE of
eternal life, because we are now children of God! How much more should we trust
and praise our Father in Heaven?
In the last three verses, David
wrote, “Many, LORD, are asking, ‘Who will bring us prosperity?’ Let the light
of your face shine on us. Fill my heart with joy when their grain and new wine
abound. In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell
in safety.” Here are the words of a man of faith. Here are the words that every
Christian should be able to echo, “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you
alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety." Praise God that we can also say
that as His Children!
Jim Shelburn
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