Psalm 4 (Listen)
4:1 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.
Devotional:
Answer me when I call, God, who vindicates me. You freed me from affliction; be gracious to me and hear my prayer. (Psalm 4:1 CSB)
At first glance, the beginning of this Psalm may seem almost too bold. David is bold because he understands his position, his standing, with God. The Lord makes him righteous. David then affirms that God answers prayer by remembering the relief God gave in past times of distress. In closing, he asks God to be gracious to him. You, too, can pray confidently because of the finished work of Christ on the cross. Be bold and ask the Lord to hear and answer your prayers. When he does, remember to praise Him.
Pray it: Father, help me cry out to you for help by remembering what you have done for me in Christ. May I praise you for saving me as I cry out for help in present circumstances, remembering what you’ve done and will do in Christ. Amen.
Share it: Share a verse or thought from this passage with someone today.