Sunday, February 1, 2003 pm
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AN EVENING PSALM

PSALM 4

A few weeks ago we studied psalm 3 and noted that it is often referred to as the morning psalm as it made reference to the sweetness of sleep and the Lord’s protection permitting him to awake the next morning.  In rising, there is reason to give thanks to God.  Psalm 4 is often considered a companion psalm with 3 believed to be written by David, possibly around the same time as psalm 3.  And while 3 deals with this rising in the morning, psalm 4 deals with the confidence of David as he lay down in peace.  Tonight we want to notice some lessons from this psalm.

The superscription mentions that it is addressed to “the chief musician” who would be one in charge of its use in Jewish worship to God.  We have here the first mention of how it was sung – “with stringed instruments”.  The KJV says, “on Neg-i-noth”, possibly reference to a particular instrument played with the hand alone (Treasury of David, Spurgeon).

I.  Vs. 1, Hear Me When I Call

  A.  David’s Call to God to hear.  Let us understand that God does hear our prayers.  This is the basis for prayer.  John 9:31; James 5:16 – the effective, fervent prayer…

  B. ‘O God of my righteousness’ –

What is interesting about this that David attributes his righteousness to God rather than calling God righteous here. 

Yes God is righteous, Psalm 119:137 says, “Righteous are you, O LORD, And upright are your judgments.” 

Romans 1:17 – the gospel reveals God’s righteousness to us.  Also Romans 3:21-26

But, what made David righteous? It was his relationship with God.  How are we made righteous with God?  Through obedience and the blood of Jesus.  Notice 1 Peter 3:8-12; Philippians 3:9

  C.  David calls upon God AGAIN.  He expresses his confidence in Jehovah because of past blessings.  As we pray to God, do we have this faith – James 1:6?

II. Vs. 2-3, The Lord has Set Apart Him Who is Godly

  A.  As we have seen in every psalm thus far, reference is made to David’s enemies and their worthlessness.  

How long will they love worthlessness and falsehood? Truly those of this world oppose those who dare to take a stand for righteousness.

There is a call for them to change and cease turning that which is good to evil.

Note also vs. three which says, “But know” which is still addressing the godless.  Rest assured that they WILL know whom God respects and hears – Philippians 2:9-11; Romans 14:10-11

  B.  Who will the Lord hear?

It is he who is godly.  It is actually a word that means first kind, then pious or faithful. (BDB, Strong)  The New Testament definition is reverence, respect toward God. (Thayer, Vine’s)

Godliness is a respect for God as you strive to be like Him.  Adapting to His character as much as we can in this life.  As Paul said in 1 Corinthians 11:1; Galatians 2:20

He has set apart this one – even before the foundations of the world, God knew the character of the one who could be saved and whom He would hear – it is the godly.  The righteous who strive to serve Him – Ephesians 1:3-5 – He has predestined those who are to be saved.

III. Vs. 4-5, Meditate On Your Bed

  A.  Vs. 4 records a familiar verse found also in the New Testament – Be angry and do not sin (Ephesians 4:26).  The KVJ and ASV both say, “stand in awe, and sin not.” 

  B.  Before one closes his eyes in sleep he ought to consider his condition before God. 

KJV & ASV both say, “commune with your own heart” while the NKJV says to “meditate with your own heart.”  Both point to the idea of considering where you stand before God.

Are you angry and why?  There is true wisdom in the determination to resolve anger before you go to bed.

  C.  David speaks of offering the sacrifice of righteousness – being right with God.  How can we do this?

Simply stated it doing that which pleases God –

Romans 12:1-2 – a living sacrifice

Hebrews 13:15 – the sacrifice of praise of the fruit of our lips

Ps 51:17, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart -- These, O God, You will not despise.”

   D.  At night when we are preparing to go to sleep, we need to consider our faithfulness to God and, we need to ask God for forgiveness if we find we have sinned.  That is the sacrifice of righteousness.

Then we can give God righteous sleep and truly put our trust in him not worrying about what will happen if we do not rise again.

IV. Vs. 6, There Are Many…

  A.  Many say, “Who will show us any good?”  I think of the one whose miserable, sinful life prevents good sleep.  One whose life is so full of burdens that his sleep only comes because of pure exhaustion – it is NOT a sweet sleep.  Or I think of the one who is so arrogant that he thinks he doesn’t need God – he is fine the way he is.  But a day is coming when he will regret his attitude.

Proverbs 3:13, 24 – “Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding…When you lie down, you will not be afraid, Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet.”

  B.  David’s request is that the light of the Lord shine upon him, as opposed to these in misery. 

One lesson I see in this is a request to help us NEVER to develop this attitude.  We need to guard against our conscience being seared with a hot iron or the soil of our heart being filled with weeds, etc.

Another lesson might be his concern for God’s goodness to prevail even among the miserable.  They can have sweet sleep, but are we willing to introduce God to them?  Do they know that they can cast all their cares upon Him? (1 Peter 5:7).  Do they know that they that labor and are heavy laden can come to Him with their concerns and He can help (Matthew 11:28)

V.  Vs. 7-8, I will both Lie Down in Peace and Sleep

  A.  David reflects upon God’s goodness toward him.  David knew how truly blessed he really was.  Do we express proper gratitude to Him for what He has given us?  Even at difficult times, David could find gladness.  Even in persecutions he could rejoice.  Do we? 1 Thessalonians 5:17,18; Philippians 4:6

  B.  Even in these troubling times, he will not let them keep him from a peaceful sleep.

  C.  Only God gives TRUE safety – Man can take you life, but he can’t touch your soul.  Matthew 10:28; John 10:27,28

When you lay down at night, can you do so with a pure conscience and confidence that no matter what happens you will be alright?  If not, what is keeping you from making your life right?  If you are not a Christians, you can become one this very night.  If you are unfaithful or not living as you ought to, simply turn to God in repentance and prayer asking forgiveness.  If you have truly cleansed your soul, you can with confidence say with David, “For you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”