The 4th Psalm is a song that arises out of the context of difficulty. The Psalmist is encountering unspecified but nonetheless, troubling circumstances. His approach to this is neither bitterness, frustration, nor isolation. Instead, it is prayer to God, words to the oppressors, and words to other believers.
What is striking about this Psalm is his quiet confidence in God while amid the blaring siren of conflict. Let’s not forget that he is singing this confidence. His heart is tuned by grace. This is so very practical.
In a previous post I observed these principles in verses 1-3:
Be confident amid difficulty because of God’s past works of Grace (v.1)
Be confident among slanderers because of God’s Covenant Keeping (vv. 2-3)
Here are some practical principles in light of verses 4-7
Be confident and deal with your own restless heart, because of God’s trustworthiness (vv. 4-5)
Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the LORD. (Psa 4.4-5)
Notice the transparency of the Psalmist. There is the dangerous temptation and reality to refight battles, vindicate ourselves, and inflict conversational bloody-noses. As a friend of mine reminds me, “I am a black belt in fantasy argumentation.” None of us have lost a fantasy conversation.
But here the Psalmist will not have it.
Better to go to work on your own heart than allow your mind to go to work on others. As many people have previously observed, it is better to talk to yourself rather than to listen to yourself.
Speak truth to your heart (there is a bevy of material for that sermon in this passage!) and bend your heart in prayer, trusting in God’s character.
Be confident in the midst of mockers because of God’s infinite worth (vv. 6-7)
People continue to mock but he continues to praise God. Notice what he says in verses 6-7, there is the mocking and then there is the pleading!
There are many who say, “Who will show us some good? Lift up the light of your face upon us, O LORD!” You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound. (Psa 4.6-7)
He is not writing as some observer but as a willing participant. He has an emotional response to the greatness of God. This is so good. Instead of becoming emotional and embittered he becomes emotional and explosive in praise to God!
His heart is fully fermented with praise and happiness in God so that there is no room for self-consuming bitterness to dwell. His delight in God has swallowed up self-pity and bitterness. That is, his delight in God has eclipsed his delight in self.
Be confident and sleep well because the Lord cares for you (v. 8 )
This is how to hit the sack like a believer:
In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. (Psa 4.8)
And as believers we know this is not some fantasy world peace. After all, it was Christ who gave himself up for us. He endured the ultimate separation, abandonment and wrath so that we might know and experience the peace, closeness, and security. Therefore, we go to sleep in grace. Even though there is tumult outside there is the calm inside. This subjective peace is a reality because of the objective peace (Rom. 5.1) that the true and greater David, our Lord Jesus earned for his people.
