We see in Psalm 4 David’s God-centered mindset to how he thinks and responds to the distress he is experiencing. The Psalm opens with him appealing to the righteousness of God: “Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness” (verse 1). He points to his relationship with the Lord: it is the Lord who leads David in paths of righteousness, since the Lord is David’s shepherd, so David is asking the Lord to help his servant, David.
The Lord has helped David before (You have given me relief when I was in distress), so in his current distress, he expects the Lord to be gracious to him. But he doesn’t take it for granted, he asks for it: “Be gracious to me and hear my prayer.” Humble hearts seek grace, and therefore they get it. Humble hearts yield to the influence of grace, and that is what we see in the rest of the psalm.
David’s view of the righteousness and grace of God leads him to rebuke those who oppose him: “O men, how long will you turn my honor into shame? How long will you love vain words and seek after lies?” David sees their attack on him as stemming from hearts in rebellion against the Lord. Grace has made David passionate about the Lord’s honor, as it tends to do.
In verse 3, David reminds them of his relationship with the Lord: “But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself.” The phrase “for himself” shows what a great distinction God makes between his people and the world. The word for “set apart” is the same word for the distinction the Lord made between Israel and Egypt: life to his people, death to their enemies.
How can we be godly? The word for godly is related to the word for the Lord’s covenant love. David is referring to the binding relationship by covenant he has with God. He is in a completely different position than those who oppose him. The Lord has set his saving love upon David. We become godly when we enter by faith into the covenant with God and become God-centered. When we are opposed for our faith or in distress, we are to comfort ourselves as David did – “The Lord hears me when I call to him.” The Lord upholds the godly.
In verse 4, the grace working in David moves him to counsel those on his side to not let anger rule over them, but to ponder in their own hearts on their bed and be silent. This is not just good advice; it is a godly approach to providence. The mystery of providence can be deep, certainly, but whatever the godly man’s circumstances, it provides opportunity to honor the Lord.
This is what David means by “offer right sacrifices and put your trust in the Lord” in verse 5. Has the Lord prospered you? Give generously. Has he afflicted you? Honor him by trusting in him and acknowledging that he knows what is most profitable for you. Again, we see that grace working in David humbles him to turn his eyes to how he may honor God in his situation.
In verse 6, we see that some were so distressed they wondered where they might see any good. This prompts David to pray, “Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord!” In Revelation 1, the Lord Jesus’ face shone like the sun in full strength. Imagine favor from God from that source of power and goodness and know that the Lord will bestow on you this favor if you call on him.
What is the result of this blessing on the recipient? “You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound” (verse 7). Peter calls it “joy unspeakable.” What else do you require if you have this favor and joy from the Lord? When the Lord showed Jacob his favor and grace, Jacob said that he would be content with just food and clothing since the Lord was with him. The apostle Paul likewise instructed Christians to be content with food and clothing, since they have the greatest gift that salvation gives: God himself. Prosperity is an empty joy if you don’t have the Lord. What can a man receive in exchange for his soul?
In the last verse, you see the transformation from when David began the psalm in pleading requests. The Lord has given him joy and peace: “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” How dismal the case for those who don’t know Christ, but how blessed are those who are set apart, godly, favored, blessed, and made joyous in Christ.
