Blessed Are Those Who Call on Him
[ READ ] Psalm 4
Answer Me When I Call
To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.
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!
2 O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame?
How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah
3 But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself;
the Lord hears when I call to him.
4 Be angry, and do not sin;
ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah
5 Offer right sacrifices,
and put your trust in the Lord.
6 There are many who say, “Who will show us some good?
Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord!”
7 You have put more joy in my heart
than they have when their grain and wine abound.
8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep;
for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.
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!
2 O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame?
How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah
3 But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself;
the Lord hears when I call to him.
4 Be angry, and do not sin;
ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah
5 Offer right sacrifices,
and put your trust in the Lord.
6 There are many who say, “Who will show us some good?
Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord!”
7 You have put more joy in my heart
than they have when their grain and wine abound.
8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep;
for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
This Psalm is thought to have been written when King David was fleeing Jerusalem and the uprising his son Absolam started against his throne. David was obviously in great distress (and rightfully so) but I love how he remembers when God has given him relief in the past. What if all of us started our prayers with thanksgiving before we asked God for anything else?
In verse 4 David acknowledges his human emotions (which are not always wrong) and reminds himself, “do not sin… put your trust in the Lord.” This is such a powerful moment; in a state of great fear, King David decides to trust in God rather than his feelings. Verse 7 and 8 are very reminiscent of Psalm 23 to me. Even in the midst of danger and betrayal, David knows that God has prepared a table before him. He knows the “peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” (Phil 4:7), so he can dwell in safety.
- Cara Fowler
In verse 4 David acknowledges his human emotions (which are not always wrong) and reminds himself, “do not sin… put your trust in the Lord.” This is such a powerful moment; in a state of great fear, King David decides to trust in God rather than his feelings. Verse 7 and 8 are very reminiscent of Psalm 23 to me. Even in the midst of danger and betrayal, David knows that God has prepared a table before him. He knows the “peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” (Phil 4:7), so he can dwell in safety.
- Cara Fowler
[ EXAMINE ] the passage. At this point, answer some questions about the meaning of the text. Take time to reflect.
+ Read 2 Corinthians 10:5. How does David demonstrate “taking his thoughts captive” in Psalm 4?
+ Read 2 Corinthians 10:5. How does David demonstrate “taking his thoughts captive” in Psalm 4?
[ APPLY ] the passage to your own life.
+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ Reread verse 7 and 8 and think of your own circumstances or sufferings. Fill in the blanks and call out to the God who hears you.
Despite _____, “You have put more joy in my heart…”
Even though ______, “In peace I will both lie down and sleep…”
+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ Reread verse 7 and 8 and think of your own circumstances or sufferings. Fill in the blanks and call out to the God who hears you.
Despite _____, “You have put more joy in my heart…”
Even though ______, “In peace I will both lie down and sleep…”
[ PRAY ] through the passage and your application, and ask God to change your heart and your life.
+ Pray with me:
Lord, thank you that You have set us apart and hear us when we call to You. It is such a comfort knowing that You live within us and we are not alone in our afflictions. God will You give us strength to face a new day and all that comes with it. I pray specifically for the brother or sister who is in great distress today. We thank you for your comfort and ask that you will you give them both joy and peace despite great suffering. Lord, would you make them dwell safely in Your presence. Amen.
+ Pray with me:
Lord, thank you that You have set us apart and hear us when we call to You. It is such a comfort knowing that You live within us and we are not alone in our afflictions. God will You give us strength to face a new day and all that comes with it. I pray specifically for the brother or sister who is in great distress today. We thank you for your comfort and ask that you will you give them both joy and peace despite great suffering. Lord, would you make them dwell safely in Your presence. Amen.
[ SHARE ] what God is teaching you with at least one person: your roommate,
your spouse, your kids, or your coworkers. Don’t keep what God taught you to
yourself.
(e.g., your family around the dinner table, a friend, co-worker or neighbor- for help join a community group at downtownhope.org/community-groups)
+ How can you encourage someone with Psalm 4 this week?
your spouse, your kids, or your coworkers. Don’t keep what God taught you to
yourself.
(e.g., your family around the dinner table, a friend, co-worker or neighbor- for help join a community group at downtownhope.org/community-groups)
+ How can you encourage someone with Psalm 4 this week?
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