시편 4편 1-8절

In Psalm 4, we see David’s continued response to this persecution. When faced with adversity, David turns to God in prayer. His instinctive response is to cry out to God in verse 1, “Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!” This is a prayer of desperation. David knows that he is in over his head and if God doesn’t answer, he is in big trouble. And so he begins by appealing to God’s justice.

He takes present comfort in God’s past faithfulness. He says, “You have given me relief when I was in distress; be gracious to me and hear my prayer.” He begins by taking comfort in God’s just character and past faithfulness. Only after doing that does he turn his attention to the his enemies. David begins by calling them to repentance.

David continues his warning in verse 3, “But know that the Lord has set apart the godly man for Himself; the Lord hears when I call to Him.” And it is important to note that God’s commitment to bless that person is not grounded in their obedience, but rather in God’s loyal love which often displays itself in acts of unmerited favor.

And this favor of God gives him courage to pray for God’s favor for others and even his enemies. Though David is, hiding out, in fear of his life, yet showing concern for his discouraged countrymen. David is saying, “Though my circumstances are bad. Members of my own family and trusted friends have turned against me, but God, you are in control of this world. My enemies can only do what you allow. I am safe in your loving arms. Knowing that, I can sleep soundly at night.”

If David can say that, in the midst of his circumstances, so can we. He is committed to our welfare. Nothing can separate us from his love and purposes for our lives. When we fully grasp this comforting truth, we can, like David, rest and sleep soundly in the arms of God no matter what we are facing.

Prayer: Father God, you are the reason that we can sing and experience peace in this life. Give us strength and the courage to always look to you and trust in you despite the difficulties and struggles in our lives. May we find rest in you. In Jesus’ name, amen.