Answer Me When I Call (Psalm 4)

Today we are going to look at another psalm of David. Like Psalm 3 this one is also written by David in the midst of trying circumstances and again we see that David trusts and hopes in His God.

1. Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have given me relief when I was in distress. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer.

A plea of David for God to respond like he did in the past and give him relief in the midst of distress.

2. O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame? How long will you love vain words and seek after lies?

Now the focus changes onto David's enemies who are out to get him. They want to turn David's honor into shame that is to bring him down or destroy him in every way possible. This is comparable to what the Devil, the ultimate enemy of God's people wants to do to them.

3. But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself, the Lord hears when I call him.

David addresses his enemies and lets them know that no matter what they do he belongs to the Lord. Being set apart or being godly refers to separation and holiness. David also reaffirms his faith that his God will answer him even in this present circumstance.

4. Be angry and do not sin; ponder in your hearts on your beds, and be silent.

Paul quotes this admonition in his epistle to the Ephesians thereby shedding light on what the verse actually means. Paul writes that anger must not be cherished and that it must be resolved before the sun goes down. This means that anger must be short lived, not something that we hold on to because in the end anger can lead to sin and rebellion. Also, righteous anger will always be directed at sin and will be mingled with sorrow at the presence of sin. This is the way Jesus experienced anger in his earthly life and is a model for us on how to deal with this emotion.

5. Offer right sacrifices and put your trust in the Lord.

This could be a reference to Cain, who scripture says was angry at Abel because his sacrifices were rejected while Abel's were received. 

6. There are many who say, Who will show us some good? Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord.

The skeptics who do not trust in God are running around to see something that satisfies, something that is good. Alas, all their searching is in vain, because they lack the joy of the Lord

7. You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.

David has more joy than his enemies, even in his difficult condition.

8. In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord make me dwell in safety.

Not only does he have joy, he also has peace. This peace finds its origin in his faith in God and his realization that God will keep him safe from his enemies.