Words in italic type have been added for clarity. They are not found in the original Hebrew or Aramaic.
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Psalm 4
What should I learn from this chapter?
- Written by King David during Absalom’s rebellion
- The difference between believing and trusting
- Sleeping in the storm
- Anger and stillness
The Safety of the Faithful
To the Chief Musician (Choir Director). With stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.
Psalm 4:1 Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness!
You have relieved me in my distress;
Have mercy on me (Be gracious to me), and hear my prayer.
Psalm 4:2 How long, O you sons of men,
Will you turn my glory to shame?
How long will you love worthlessness
And seek falsehood? Selah
Psalm 4:3 But know that the Lord has set apart (made wonderful) for Himself him who is godly;
- To set apart means “make holy”. Being “made holy” means being heard in my cry on the day of distress.
- Judges 13:18 And the Angel of the Lord (The Theophany, Jesus) said to him, “Why do you ask My name, seeing it is wonderful?”
- … Full of wonder, holy, set apart
- The Angel of the Lord is known as a Theophany, Jesus; a manifestation or appearance of God to a person.
The Lord will hear when I call to Him.
Psalm 4:4 Be angry (Lit. Tremble or Be agitated), and do not sin.
Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Selah
- Be angry but be still…the battle belongs to the Lord.
- Psalm 23:2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still (serene) waters.
- Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
Psalm 4:5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness,
And put your trust in the Lord.
What’s the difference between “believing” and “trusting”?
A circus came to town highlighting a famous high wire act.
When the day came the crowds filled the seats. When the act began the crowds roared with excitement. The wire was exceptionally high, no net had been strung to catch the falling entertainer, and the entertainer was charismatic.
“Do You Believe?” he cried out to the crowd, receiving a raucous reply, “WE BELIEVE!”
But as he set his foot on the wire silence hushed his audience. He proceeded upon his trek one cautious step at a time, being sure to wobble a little bit to harvest the enjoyment of the gasps below.
Once he reached the other side the crowd let out their breath, but the show was not over.
The entertainer raised his arms and turned once again to the crowd announcing, “I will now cross the wire on this unicycle. Do you believe?”
Now the crowd went wild. “WE BELIEVE! WE BELIEVE!”
The entertainer set about to balance the unicycle as he mounted the bike and rode it upon a wire swaying slightly this way and that.
The crowd rose, shouting in exuberance.
Once again the entertainer rose his arms high drinking in the exultations of his enamored worshippers.
But there was more! He brought out a wheelbarrow. Scanning the crowd he shouted “Do you believe?”
This time the crowd was on its feet, every last man, woman, and child with a harmonious shouting and stomping in tandem “WE BELIEVE! WE BELIEVE! WE BELIEVE!”
The entertainer spied one exceptionally loud, and heavy man. “Do you believe?” He pointed at the man.
“I BELIEVE” The man affirmed, leading the crowd into even a greater momentum.
The entertained replied, “Get into the wheelbarrow!”
(And that is the difference between believe and trust.)
Psalm 4:6 There are many who say,
“Who will show us any good?”
Lord, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us.
Psalm 4:7 You have put gladness in my heart,
More than in the season that their grain and wine increased.
The season of “grain and wine increase” is the harvest; associated with the resurrections.
Psalm 4:8 I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;
For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
Like Jonah, David slept in peace amid the storm.
Like Jesus, David slept in peace amid the storm.
The Holy Trinity for experiencing peace:
- Give it to the Father.
- Don’t manipulate it. Trust Jesus.
- Do the right thing. Through the Holy Spirit.
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