Psalm 4

Answer me when I call, O God of my right!

   You gave me room when I was in distress.

   Be gracious to me, and hear my prayer.

 

How long, you people, shall my honor suffer shame?

   How long will you love vain words, and seek after lies?

          Selah

But know that the Lord has set apart the faithful for himself;

   the Lord hears when I call to him.

 

When you are disturbed, do not sin;

   ponder it on your beds, and be silent.

          Selah

Offer right sacrifices,

   and put your trust in the Lord.

 

There are many who say, ‘O that we might see some good!

   Let the light of your face shine on us, O Lord!’

You have put gladness in my heart

   more than when their grain and wine abound.

I will both lie down and sleep in peace;

   for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.

 

Comment:

This is a fairly standard psalm structure: a statement of grievance against the Lord, followed by an affirmation that the Lord is present, even in the challenges. In this case, a man who considers himself unjustly accused nonetheless affirms that, because of his spiritual understanding, he is actually happier in the midst of his problems than some others are "when their grain and wine abound." In other words, gratitude for our unique and powerful relationship with the divine is more rich and rewarding than any human satisfactions could be.

Blessings!

Rev. Ed