Psalm 4 Faith In God Overcomes David's Troubled Heart

Psalm 4:1-2  To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm of David. Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer. 2  O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah.  

The heading of this Psalm tells us that David composed it and sent it to the chief musician.

A "neginoth" refers to a Psalm that is accompanied by stringed instruments.

David asks God to hear him when he prays. 

In this Psalm, King David is looking back, reflecting upon God's consistent faithfulness to him.

Because God granted him relief in past times of stress and prayer, David knows that he will receive mercy and that God will hear his supplication.

In this specific prayer, David is dealing with political enemies who spread lies about him or his administration.

Some scholars say that this was David's prayer about those who sought to seat Absalom on David's throne.

The nobles of Israel included the conspirators against David, such as Ahithophel, and others, who were in league with Absalom (See 2 Samuel 15:12).

The sons of men were powerful men who were now  head of affairs, or leaders of the multitude.

He already knew that God will always hear him and there are about 30 times in the Psalms when the King makes similar requests.

Psalm 102:1-2  A Prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed, and poureth out his complaint before the LORD. Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come unto thee. 2  Hide not thy face from me in the day when I am in trouble; incline thine ear unto me: in the day when I call answer me speedily.

Psalm 102 is another prayer for those who are afflicted by the trials, troubles and weariness that are part of living in a world cursed by God due to Adam's sin.

David's plea to God for a hearing at His throne reflects all people who are oppressed, afflicted or sorrowful.

It reminds us that we can cast our cares and burdens on the LORD because he cares for us (See 1 Peter 5:7).

It also communicates a sense of urgency because of David's situation and this reminds us that we can be urgent when we cry out to the Lord.

Psalm 4:3-6  But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him. 4  Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah. 

To all his detractors and those who sought to overthrow him, David reminds them that God set apart the Godly man for Himself.

David was one of the Godly men and He knew God would hear him when he called upon Him for help.

As David communicated truth about God, he calmed his own inner turmoil.

It is as if he reminded himself of God's abundant goodness and mercy and faithfulness.

Therefore, in the midst of political intrigue, David tells his soul, to be in awe of Jehovah.

Psalm 119:160-162  Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever. 161  SCHIN. Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word. 162  I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.  

The Word of God and all His promises filled the king with awe.

How infinite and vast is God who commanded "Let there be light, and there was light." 

How vast and infinite is God who set the sun, moon, stars in their proper placement in order to give us seasons, years, days, months, hours and minutes!

How righteous is God who sent a flood to cover the earth when all people except Noah and his family, gave themselves over to working wickedness.

The mighty works of God including creation, sustaining all life and governing the universe filled David with awe.

God's profound and powerful judgments upon sinners throughout history filled David with awe.

Psalm 33:8  Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.

Therefore, the king also warned the wicked to stand in awe of God, and His righteous, judgments. 

The wicked should be afraid of God and tremble before Him. 

Their only remedy is repentance and fearing the LORD such that they no longer proceed in sinning against Him.

The king knew that if he did what was right in God's eyes that Jehovah would set him apart for His service.

This is clearly evident as we read of David's musical and literary works in the Psalms. 

His Spirit guided writings are of the highest quality and beauty, covering the entire spectrum of human emotions, from suffering to safety, persecution to praise, fear to courage. 

Thus, if King David awoke in the middle of the night, he took comfort by reflecting upon the beautiful character of God and His mighty works.

As he thought about God, His words and works, his heart became calm and still before the LORD.

Psalm 4:6  There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us. 

David prayed for his own people of Israel, many of whom were listening to liars instead of opening their hearts and minds to hear from the All Wise God of heaven.

In like manner, we daily see the spread of anarchy, cultural corruption, sexual perversion and blatant rebellion against God and His Word.

We too, must pray for our nation as David did, that the LORD would lift up the light of His countenance upon all of us, otherwise each nation that turns from God will suffer His judgment.

Psa 4:7  Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased. 

Psa 4:8  I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety. 

King David began this Psalm needing to take his cares and complaints to the LORD and he ends it having his heart filled with a glad spirit from God and an inner peace from God.

Many in that day were gladdened when they were blessed to have an abundant harvest.

King David's has much more meaningful joy and happiness in his heart after casting his cares on the LORD and simply trusting God with all his heart.

Thus, he could lay aside thoughts of his enemies, fears of their wicked acts and sleep in peace knowing that God was watching over him.

When we face heartache, adversity, afflictions of trials, let us follow King David's example.

When our hearts are troubled and sleep flees from us, let us cast our cares and complaints upon our God.

Let our hearts think about what we know is true of God, from His Word, and this will comfort us and bring that wonderful peace that passes all understanding.

Bob