Psalm 4

¹ 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.

² How long, you people, shall my honor suffer shame?
    How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? 
³ But know that the Lord has set apart the faithful for himself;
    the Lord hears when I call to him.

⁴ When you are disturbed, do not sin;
    ponder it on your beds, and be silent. 
⁵ Offer right sacrifices,
    and put your trust in the Lord.

⁶ There are many who say, “O that we might see some good!
    Let the light of your face shine on us, O Lord!”
⁷ You have put gladness in my heart
    more than when their grain and wine abound.

⁸ I will both lie down and sleep in peace,
    for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.   (NRSV)

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The speaker cries out honestly to God expecting him to answer, to be gracious, and to hear his prayer.  He talks about being distressed (v. 1), literally in a tight place (a word Job uses many times to describe his troubles), and disturbed or angry (v. 4).  Two situations and feelings we can all relate to.

This prayer offers us at least two ways to face the troubles of life. The answer is found in remembering the bigger picture, the larger story,

Remember who God is, who you are, and what he has done.  The Psalm starts by using the general word for “god”, and then in v. 3 uses the name Yahweh (noted by the Lord in “all caps”).  Yahweh is the personal, covenant name revealed to Israel as God called them to be his people, and set them apart. 

Commit to being with the congregation of believers.  Vs. 5-6 reflect worship at the temple where the Israelites would come before the presence, the face of God, and in effect remember and renew their covenant with him.

When squeezed and distressed by life, we often forget, are blind to, or are distracted from the larger reality that should be shaping us and the way we look at the world.  God created us.  Jesus died and rose for us, and calls us to be like him.  When we regularly meet together to worship and fellowship with fellow believers, we proclaim and share that reality, and commit to live toward God’s kingdom.