Psalm 4

This psalm continues a series of short psalms that call upon God to deliver, expressing confidence in God’s willingness to act.

Reading: Psalm 4:1-8
If the psalmist’s plaintiff cry seems too directional in demanding that God act, the first verse can be understood as a request. “May God answer, may God give me relief, may God be merciful and hear my prayer.” God honors godly people and sets them apart for his own possession. Therefore, the psalmist is confident that God will act. Such confidence comes from heart-searching and silence before God, commitment and sacrifice and trust. Such joyful confidence surpasses the joy of the greatest blessings of this earth.
Therefore, the psalmist affirms that he can sleep at night despite the difficulties of life. “I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”

Prayer
Heavenly Father, we want to know that you hear and that you respond to our cries. We want to know your mercy and love. Give the ability to see deep within ourselves and silently wait before you. Thank you for your protection. We rejoice in you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.