Psalm 4 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 4 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1Answer me when I call, O God of my right! You gave me room when I was in distress. Be gracious to me, and hear my prayer.
Verse 2How long, you people, shall my honor suffer shame? How long will you love vain words, and seek after lies? Selah
Verse 3But know that the Lord has set apart the faithful for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him.
Verse 4When you are disturbed, do not sin; ponder it on your beds, and be silent. Selah
Verse 5Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the Lord.
Verse 6There are many who say, "O that we might see some good! Let the light of your face shine on us, O Lord!"
Verse 7You have put gladness in my heart more than when their grain and wine abound.
Verse 8I will both lie down and sleep in peace; for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.
Devotion
A few weeks ago we spent Spring break on a remote wilderness lake near Mt. Denali. We tried to block out the reality of war with taped country music, racks of grilled ribs, cool drinks on the sun deck and evening card games. Yet, there is no denying or escaping the troubles of this world.
I sense in Psalm 4 the writer's isolation and fear: "Answer me when I call;" "Hear my prayers;" "Be gracious to me;" "Let the light of your face shine on me, O God.” The psalmist’s lament describes my own spirit. Yet, there is more to this psalm than distress. It also declares hope in God’s graciousness, patience and mercy. God listens and restores our gladness within a conflicted world. This song became a part of the Hebrew community’s faith journey and now it is our song too. "I will both lie down and sleep in peace; for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety."
Prayer
Lord, make me lie down in safety when my soul is troubled. Remind me of your gentleness; renew my faith in your ability to bring peace from chaos. Amen.