Today we'll consider Psalm 4, in which David speaks God's word to us & gives us some good advice.
PSALM 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?
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.
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.
FIRST, note that David addresses the first verse to God, and notice how David prays. He is bold and honest about his questions and his concerns, reminding us that God has heard and answered us before. In this example, David gives us some good advice. Don't hesitate to pray boldly and honestly and emotionally to God your heavenly Father! If you are in a melancholy or sad place, PRAY IT to God. If your situation is frantic and fearful, PRAY IT to God. If you are confused and angry, PRAY IT to God. You get the picture. God desires all our prayers, and has given His baptized children the Holy Spirit to be our Helper. Even though your heart is sinful and wrong in your motives or emotions, the Spirit will direct you, lead your thoughts, convict you of your sin, and give you comfort. Both the Holy Spirit [Romans 8:26] and Jesus Himself [Romans 8:34] have promised to intercede for us with God the Father.
SECOND, David gives you and me advice about getting a good night's sleep. Take the advice in verse four seriously; Jesus modelled this for us as He drove the dishonest and disrespectful businessmen out of the Temple [Matthew 21:12]. Every night before sleeping, confess all your anger and other sins to God, so you can fall asleep in the comfort of His forgiveness [verse 8]. It is only the Lord's forgiveness which allows us to "dwell in safety" from the devil and sleep "in peace."
Nightly honest & serious prayer, along with heartfelt confession of your sins; these are the BEST sleep aids EVER! Enjoy peaceful & restful sleep in the love of Jesus!
Your servant in Christ,
Pastor Mark
Pilgrim Lutheran Church, LCMS Burton, Michigan
office: 810.744.1188
We are Pilgrims with a Purpose:
Sharing God’s Love & Mercy with Each Other & the World.
Soli Deo Gloria
"Restore us, O God, let Your face shine, that we may be saved!" Psalm 80:3
