You alone O Lord

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Scripture: Psalm 4:1-8 (NIV)

1 Answer me when I call to you,

my righteous God.

Give me relief from my distress

have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

2 How long will you people turn my glory into shame?

How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?

3 Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself;

the Lord hears when I call to him.

4 Tremble and do not sin;

when you are on your beds,

search your hearts and be silent.

5 Offer the sacrifices of the righteous

and trust in the Lord,

6 Many, Lord, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?”

Let the light of your face shine on us.

7 Fill my heart with joy

when their grain and new wine abound.

8 In peace I will lie down and sleep,

for you alone, Lord,

make me dwell in safety.

 

Devotion:

 

                The psalm we are considering today is like Psalm 3 a plea to God for help. The historical background for this psalm is not given, but it may be the same as Psalm 3. The story of David and Absolom.

This psalm, because of its references in verse eight and verse four, to evening and sleep is sometimes used as a prayer for the night office, however, it can be used at any time. The psalmist (David) proclaims that God as the source of all peace and righteousness can be trusted with all of life.

                The psalm begins with a cry to God for help. Asking God to hear and respond to the psalmist’s heartfelt prayer. David acknowledges that God is righteous and merciful and seeks relief from whatever distress he is experiencing. He knows that God hears his prayer and earnestly seeks for God to do more than listen to his prayer. The psalmist wants the Lord to take action on the psalmist's behalf. He goes on in the remainder of the passage to tell God exactly what he desires.

                In verses two and three, the writer complains that those around him are not following the ways of the LORD. These people are seeking after delusions and chasing false gods. David declares and thanks God that God hears his prayers because the LORD has set him apart as a holy and faithful servant.

                David then in verses four and five tells the reader to forsake sin and seek God’s face as they lie upon their beds. We are to offer right sacrifices and trust completely in the LORD. Verses six and seven continue the petitions. The writer asks for prosperity, light, and joy to be made manifest in his life.

                Finally in verse eight, the psalmist thanks God that he knows peace (Hebrew—shalom) with God and man and knows safety in the care of the LORD. This psalm shows the reader that they can trust in God to provide all the needs of humankind if we will but trust in Him. This is a prayer that moves the reader to have full confidence in God above all life’s circumstances. 

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