Psalms 4:1-8
1 Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.
2 O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah.
3 But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.
4 Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.
6 There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.
7 Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.
8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.
1. The cry to Jehovah (Psalms 4:1)
2. The warning to the enemies (Psalms 4:4)
3. The assurance of faith (Psalms 4:6)
Psalms 4:1. The fourth Psalm is closely connected with the third; the third is “a Morning Psalm” and the fourth “an Evening Hymn.” He calls God “God of my righteousness” and He knows that He will act in righteousness toward him, be gracious and hear prayer. Then the appeal to the sons of men, who love emptiness and seek after a lie. They should know that the Lord hath set apart the godly for Himself and therefore He will hear.
Psalms 4:4. This expresseth the concern of the godly for those who reject the Lord, it is a warning appeal to turn from their evil ways, to offer the sacrifices of righteousness and to trust Jehovah.
Psalms 4:6. The mocking words “who will show us any good?” the challenge of unbelief, is met by prayer and the assurance of faith. “Lift upon us the light of Thy countenance, Jehovah.” This we shall find later is a choice prayer of the Jewish saints in the tribulation. (See Psalms 80:1 .) His heart is filled with joy; he knows he is safe. “For Thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.” Such is the experience of the godly, who trust the Lord. Their hearts are filled with gladness; their safety is the Lord.