Let’s face it – in the world today there’s plenty of love for worthless things (verse 2), things that make no lasting difference in anyone’s life: sex, drugs, money, pleasure. No, putting our faith in anything in God’s creation can only end in hopelessness, prompting the desperate question, “Who will show us any good” (verse 6)?
Of course, those with the least hope are also the most likely to lash out at those who worship the Creator, and who have thus turned away from the worthless things of the world. So, how do we respond to their abuse and their lies?
Well, David reminds us that it’s okay to tremble with fear or anger (verse 4), as long as we don’t fall into sin. No, we must continue to offer the sacrifices of righteousness (verse 5), living according to all the dictates of God’s law of love that we’ve been studying since January – including the commandment to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44).
But we won’t be able to do that unless we devote ourselves to prayer. For in the face of the world’s hopelessness, we must meditate, (verse 4). We must not only think about God’s law, but also about all the wonderful things God has done for us in the past (verse 2). Since God has given us relief before, we can be sure that He will once again show us grace and hear our prayers (verse 1).
Yes, it is such a prayerful trust in God that will keep us strong even in the face of our greatest temptations and our most determined opponents. For we can be sure that God hears those who call on Him (verse 3). We can be sure that God is the only true source of gladness in this life (verse 7). And no matter what is going on in the world and in our lives, we will be able sleep in peace every night, confident that God is the One Who keeps us safe (verse 8).
Psalm 4 (NASB)
Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! Thou hast relieved me in my distress; Be gracious to me and hear my prayer.
2 O sons of men, how long will my honor become a reproach? How long will you love what is worthless and aim at deception? Selah.
3 But know that the LORD has set apart the godly man for Himself; The LORD hears when I call to Him.
4 Tremble, and do not sin; Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, And trust in the LORD.
6 Many are saying, “Who will show us any good?” Lift up the light of Thy countenance upon us, O LORD!
7 Thou hast put gladness in my heart, More than when their grain and new wine abound.
8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep, For Thou alone, O LORD, dost make me to dwell in safety.
