May 9, 2024

Is it okay to be a Christian and get angry?

Psalm 4

Maryann Adams
Thursday's Devo

May 9, 2024

Thursday's Devo

May 9, 2024

Thursday's Devo

May 9, 2024

Thursday's Devo

May 9, 2024

Big Book Idea

Thinking and feeling God's way.

Key Verse | Psalm 4:4

Be angry, and do not sin;
ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah

Psalm 4

Answer Me When I Call

To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.

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, 1 4:2 Or O men of rank 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, 2 4:4 Or Be agitated 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.

Footnotes

[1] 4:2 Or O men of rank
[2] 4:4 Or Be agitated
Table of Contents
Introduction to The Psalms

Introduction to The Psalms

Timeline

Author and Date

Individual psalms come from diverse periods of Israel’s history, but at every stage they served as the songbook of God’s people. David wrote about half of the Psalms. His role as king was more than that of a ruler. He was to represent and even embody the people, and their well-being was tied to his faithfulness. David, then, writes as a representative, and the readers must discern whether the emphasis of a psalm is more on his role as ruler or more on his role as ideal Israelite, in which he is an example for all. The historical occasions mentioned in the psalm titles help the reader see how faith applies to real-life situations.

Key Themes

The Psalter is fundamentally the hymnbook of God’s people. It takes the basic themes of OT theology and turns them into song:

  1. Monotheism. The one God, Maker and Ruler of all, will vindicate his goodness and justice in his own time. Everyone must know and love this God, whose purity, power, wisdom, faithfulness, and unceasing love are breathtakingly beautiful.
  2. Creation and fall. Though God made man with dignity and purpose, all people since the fall are beset with sins and weaknesses that only God’s grace can heal.
  3. Election and covenant. The one true God chose a people for himself and bound himself to them by his covenant. This covenant expressed God’s intention to save his people, and through them to bring light to the world.
  4. Covenant membership. In his covenant, God offers grace to his people: forgiveness of their sins, the shaping of their lives to reflect his own glory, and a part to play as light to the Gentiles. Each member of God’s people is responsible to believe God’s promises and to grow in obeying his commands. Those who do this enjoy the full benefits of God’s love and find delight in knowing him. The well-being of God’s people as a whole affects the well-being of each member. Each one shares the joys and sorrows of the others. When believers suffer, they should not seek revenge but should pray. They can be confident that God will make all things right in his own time.
  5. Eschatology. The story of God’s people is headed toward a glorious future, in which all kinds of people will come to know the Lord. The personal faithfulness of God’s people contributes to his ultimate purpose. The Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, will lead his people in the great task of bringing light to the Gentiles.

Types of Psalms

The Psalms can be identified according to some basic categories:

Laments, which lay a troubled situation before the Lord, asking him for help. There are community (Psalm 12) and individual (Psalm 13) laments. This category is the largest by far, including up to a third of all Psalms.

Hymns of praise, which call God’s people to admire his great attributes and deeds. Examples include Psalms 8; 93; and 145.

Hymns of thanksgiving. As with laments, there are community (Psalm 9) and individual (Psalm 30) thanksgiving psalms.

Hymns celebrating God’s law (Psalm 119).

Wisdom psalms (Psalms 1; 37), which reflect themes from the Wisdom Books (Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon).

Songs of confidence, which enable worshipers to deepen their trust in God amid difficult circumstances (Psalm 23).

Royal psalms, which present the Davidic monarchy as the vehicle of blessing for God’s people. Some of these are prayers (Psalm 20), some are thanksgivings (Psalm 21). All relate to the Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, either by setting a pattern (Psalms 20–21) or by portraying the king’s reign in such a way that only the Messiah can completely fulfill it (Psalms 2; 72), or by focusing on the future (Psalm 110).

Historical psalms, which take lessons from the history of God’s dealings with his people (Psalm 78).

Prophetic hymns, which echo the Prophets, calling people to covenant faithfulness (Psalm 81).

Structure

The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.

Book 1 Psalms 1–41 Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26.
Book 2 Psalms 42–72 Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people.
Book 3 Psalms 73–89 The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88).
Book 4 Psalms 90–106 Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89.
Book 5 Psalms 107–150 The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134).
The Global Message of The Psalms

The Global Message of The Psalms

The Psalms are a resounding call for all God’s people and for all the world to sing! We are called to sing songs of confession and trust in God; to sing songs of thanksgiving and praise. The Psalms summon the global church to take up the cause of calling the world to join in such global and eternal songs of trust in, delight in, and worship of God for his magnificence—especially his magnificence displayed in his saving mercy.

Songs of Honest Lament

There is a surprising degree of honesty found in the prayers and songs of the Psalms. We find honest lament to God, with frequent repetition of questions such as “Why?” and “How long?” The psalmist asks in Psalm 42:9, “Why have you forgotten me?” Another psalm wonders, “Why, O LORD, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” (10:1; see also 88:14). “How long, O LORD?” is a frequent cry to God in the Psalms (see 6:3; 13:1; 79:5; 89:46).

Such prayers flow from desperately challenging situations, in which life feels overwhelming. Yet they also reflect the confident expectations of our honest cries to our compassionate and faithful God. The Lord invites his people worldwide to be boldly transparent before him—no masks, no pretense—even when the heart is breaking. He promises never to abandon those who belong to him.

Songs of Repentance and Trust

Songs of repentance are scattered throughout the Psalms. In such songs there are confessions of corporate sin—“Both we and our fathers have sinned; we have committed iniquity; we have done wickedness” (Ps. 106:6)—and individual songs of penitence (Psalms 6; 25; 32; 38; 51; 130; 143). These are not hopeless laments, but cries to a God who is a gracious deliverer (6:4), who deals with us according to his great love and mercy (51:1), and whose forgiveness flows from his goodness and not ours (130:3–4).

There is abundant reason to trust such a God for every good thing and in every situation (Psalm 23). To such a God we turn in times of great trouble, when we are at an utter loss in this fallen world. When enemies surround us and there is no one to help, God is our hope for deliverance (Psalm 22). Whether the desperate individual (Psalm 13) or the destitute community (Psalm 12) is in view, God is faithful to his promises. His steadfast love endures. He is worthy of our songs!

Songs of Thanksgiving and Praise

The Psalms are a divinely orchestrated hymnbook of thanksgiving and praise for God’s people. The covenant people of God return thanks to God for his wonderful deeds of deliverance, justice, and defense (Psalm 9), and for his favor and mercies (30:5, 7, 8, 10). All of this moves his people to burst into songs of joy and glad dancing (30:11–12).

In the Psalms, the people of God rejoice in all that God is and all that he has done. These songs of praise exalt God for his unsearchable greatness, his glorious splendor, and his awesome deeds (Ps. 145:3–6). He is worshiped as the King over all creation (93:1),the eternal King (10:16), the King of glory (24:8, 10), the King of all the earth (47:7), and the great King above all gods (95:3).

The Global Message of the Psalms

For all God’s people. The global message of the Psalms is that in light of God’s unfailing love and faithfulness there is a song to be sung by all God’s people everywhere—whatever their circumstances, whatever their emotions, whatever their adversity. The song to be sung will be of varied themes: lament, confession, repentance, thanksgiving, or praise to God. All of these, however, are songs of worship, expressing the universal experiences of God’s people. This is worship of God by the individual and the community, local and global, young and old (Ps. 148:12), now and forever (89:52). For a lost world filled with rebellion and sorrow, there is no greater remedy than a song that brings those who sing it to take refuge in God himself: a song for the oppressed, the hungry, the prisoner, the sojourner, the widow, and the fatherless (146:7–9).

A new song. The message of the Psalms is a call to the whole world to “Sing a new song!” “Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth!” (Ps. 96:1). This is not a song of empty promises, but a song full of hope, a song exulting in the salvation of a covenant keeping and merciful God; not a song that fades, but an enduring, eternal song; a song of a God who lifts us out of mud and mire (69:2, 14).

Celebrating salvation. The book of Psalms opens with a picture of the two ways of life—the blessed and fruitful life of the one who delights in God, and the fleeting life of the wicked who (apart from God) stand condemned (Psalm 1). The world is called to set aside folly and to join in the life and song of the Redeemer, celebrating the salvation that is rooted in the sacrifice of the Savior (Psalm 22). This new song has been sung down through the ages; it continues today throughout the world; and it will one day be sung in the very throne room of God (Rev. 14:3).

Summoning the Nations

To the ends of the earth. The global church has a message for the world: join in this song! It is a celebration that will generate further praise—globally, generationally, and eternally. The church is to “declare his glory among the nations!” (Ps. 96:3). From Israel to the Christian church today to the global kingdom that will one day be known to the very ends of the earth, the redeemed of the Lord will come from every nation, tribe, people, and language, giving God thanks and celebrating his grace (Rev. 7:9).

For all nations. There is a message for the nations: “Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!” (Ps. 117:1). The Lord humbles the nations (9:5, 19, 20), but he extends to all an offer of mercy and grace. One day, the nations will become Christ’s inheritance (2:8). This song begins with us but it must not end with us. There is a glorious globalization of the worship of God that we are privileged to help advance. In Christ we have found fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore (16:11). In turn we call the nations as well to be glad and sing for joy in him (67:4).

Fulfilled in Jesus. The love and mercy of God that forms the heart of the Psalms explodes onto history with the coming of Christ. It is in and through him that believers worldwide see God’s covenant faithfulness right before their eyes.

Spreading God’s glory. That glorious, global worship of God through Jesus Christ is not yet fully known or complete. Generating it is therefore our glad mission while on this earth. We will not rest till God’s glorious name is blessed forever and the whole earth is filled with his glory (Ps. 72:19).

Psalms Fact #3: How are the Psalms divided?

Fact: How are the Psalms divided?

How are the Psalms divided? The Psalms are divided into five books: 1–41; 42–72; 73–89; 90–106; 107–150. Each book ends with a “doxology,” a hymn of praise to God.

Psalms Fact #4: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?

Fact: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?

What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God? The Psalms were the songbook of the people of God when they gathered for worship.

Psalms Fact #6: What is a psalm of lament?

Fact: What is a psalm of lament?

What is a psalm of lament? The main purpose of a psalm of lament is to tell the Lord about a difficult situation, to ask him for his help, and to praise him for helping. Some laments are community, congregational psalms. Others are individual, personal laments. One third of all the Psalms are psalms of lament.

Psalms Fact #7: How many of the Psalms were written by David?

Fact: How many of the Psalms were written by David?

How many of the Psalms were written by David? David is the author of about half of the Psalms. Other authors include Asaph, Solomon, Moses, and the sons of Korah.

Psalms Fact #9: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?

Fact: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?

What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel? The “enemies” mentioned in the Psalms (e.g., 18:17) were people hostile to the faith of God’s people. Sometimes they expressed their hatred by physically attacking the people of Israel, while other times they merely rejoiced when Israel faced misfortunes.

Psalms Fact #10: Are the Psalms poetry?

Fact: Are the Psalms poetry?

Are the Psalms poetry? The Psalms often reflect the feelings or emotions of the person who wrote the psalm. The book of Psalms includes poetry that covers all kinds of emotional feelings and experiences, from anguish and sorrow to great joy and thanksgiving.

Psalms Fact #12: How often does the NT quote from the Psalms?

Fact: How often does the NT quote from the Psalms?

How often does the NT quote from the Psalms? Of all the OT books, the Psalms and Isaiah are by far the two most widely quoted in the NT.

Psalms Fact #13: Selah

Fact: Selah

What does Selah mean? Although the word Selah is found 39 times in the book of Psalms, its exact meaning is uncertain. Most scholars believe it is a musical term or a term to be used by a worship leader, possibly to mark a pause.

Psalms Fact #20: Snares

Fact: Snares

Snares (38:12) were traps used to catch birds and animals. Some snares used ropes or nets that would be triggered as soon as the bait was touched. Pits disguised with sticks and leaves were also used as snares. In the Psalms, snares serve as symbols of danger or death at the hands of the wicked.

Psalms Fact #27: A helpful guide

Fact: A helpful guide

A helpful guide. The writers of the Psalms understood the importance of constant communication with God. They knew that God would hear their prayers, and they trusted him to act on their behalf. Believers today can benefit greatly by patterning their prayers after specific psalms.

Psalms Fact #28: Memorizing the Psalms

Fact: Memorizing the Psalms

Memorizing the Psalms. The poetic style of the Psalms make them easy to memorize. Throughout the centuries, many believers have memorized all 150 Psalms.

Psalms Fact #40: How long?

Fact: How long?

How long? This question (79:5) occurs nearly twenty times in the Psalms, more than any other question. It is almost always associated with a psalm of lament, such as Psalm 79.

Structure of Psalms

Structure of Psalms

The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.

Book 1 Psalms 1–41 Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26.
Book 2 Psalms 42–72 Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people.
Book 3 Psalms 73–89 The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88).
Book 4 Psalms 90–106 Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89.
Book 5 Psalms 107–150 The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134).
OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

Romans 3 OT Reference
Sinful Condition
v. 10, none is righteous Ps. 14:3/53:3; Eccles. 7:20
v. 11a, no one understands Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 11b, no one seeks for God Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 12, all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one Ps. 14:3/53:3
Sinful Speech (note progression from throat to tongue to lips)
v. 13a, b, their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive Ps. 5:10, Septuagint (English, 5:9)
v. 13c, the venom of asps is under their lips Ps. 140:3
v. 14, their mouth is full of curses and bitterness Ps. 10:7
Sinful Action
v. 15, their feet are swift to shed blood Prov. 1:16/Isa. 59:7
v. 16, in their paths are ruin and misery Isa. 59:7
v. 17, and the way of peace they have not known Isa. 59:8
Summary Statement
v. 18, there is no fear of God before their eyes Ps. 36:1
Study Notes

Ps. 4:1 Because of their past experience with the Lord (You have given me relief), the faithful can pray confidently (Answer me when I call and Be gracious to me and hear my prayer). Compare 3:7.

Study Notes

Ps. 4:3 set apart. God gives his special attention and affection to a person or a people in order to distinguish them. The Hebrew word for the godly is related to the Hebrew word for “steadfast love.” Thus “the godly” are those who have sincerely responded to God’s steadfast love.

Study Notes

Ps. 4:4 Be angry, and do not sin. That is, “Even if you are angry at those who slander you, do not sin by seeking revenge.” The way to prevent such sin is to ponder and be silent: that is, reflect on how trustworthy the Lord has been. See Eph. 4:26.

Study Notes

Ps. 4:7 True joy is not the result of material wealth. Rather, joy comes from knowing the Lord’s presence (v. 6) and peace.

Study Notes

Psalm Ps. 4. This psalm expresses quiet trust amid troubling circumstances, combining the categories of individual lament and confidence.

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Dive Deeper | Psalm 4

Abraham Lincoln once said: "I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go." Can't we all relate!

David knew this overwhelming emotional and mental distress. David, the one who faced a lion, confronted Goliath, and mercifully interacted with King Saul who was seeking to kill him, certainly knew the way of relief—call upon God.  

In Psalm 4, David lays out a pattern for a godly response to distress caused by a deeply wounding personal offense: pray, point enemies toward God, proclaim faith in God, pursue forgiveness. The heart of love and mercy is his leading motivation. David cries out for relief from the distress of men who dishonor him with lies, slander, and disrespect. He points his enemies, perhaps even himself, toward righteousness, saying: "Be angry . . . do not sin . . . ponder . . . be silent. . . . Offer right sacrifices . . . put your trust in the LORD." (Psalm 4:4-5) His words reveal a resolute faith in God as David proclaims confidently that God hears the prayers of His people, giving joy, peace, safety, and rest.  

It is normal to respond to a personal injustice with anger. But what should our godly response be to this anger? Perhaps the answer is found in another question. Is there underlying unforgiveness, a selfish desire to strike back, resentment when mercy is offered to an offender? Christians are called to a posture of maturity, pursuing a spirit of patience, kindness, and forgiveness. Lingering anger is sinful and will lead to grudges. Jesus gives us a perfect example: "When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly." (1 Peter 2:23) The gospel is our hope for this high calling (John 15:5). A fixed focus on Jesus will bring sufficient grace to fulfill God's purposes (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Psalm 4 is a psalm to return to frequently throughout life. God shows us undeserved mercy and grace every day, and so must we generously show mercy and forgiveness. As we love in this way, many will be drawn to Christ.

This month's memory verse

If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

– John 14:15

Discussion Questions

1.  What three characteristics of God do you see in Psalm 4, and how do they encourage you? 

2. John Piper has said: "The opposite of forgiveness is holding a grudge." What verses could be used to defend Piper's statement?

3. The superscription that heads this psalm tells the choirmaster to use stringed instruments with it. Why could this instrument selection reveal a meek, forgiving spirit of a composer?

4. Who is one person in the Bible who betrayed Jesus, but repented and was transformed in response to Jesus' merciful, gentle pursuits? 

5. Self-righteousness is often underlying a merciless spirit. How can meditating on the gospel and the joy of one's salvation provide strength in resisting this sin?

Will you worship God today, rereading Psalm 4 aloud and thanking God for who He is and what He has revealed to you?

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MS

Michael Scaman

Wrongly valued by men but highly valued by God. The music continues, now with calming stringed instruments, perfect for unwinding after a long day. It's a bedtime Psalm, meant for reflecting on the day's trials and triumphs before laying down to rest. The poem delves into the struggle of being wrongly rejected by man but highly valued by God highlighting the danger of falling for empty words and deceit. But amidst this struggle, there's a call to offer the right sacrifices, a pivotal point in the middle of the poem. This theme continues in the next Psalm, where heartfelt sacrifices and appreciation for God's love are expressed. Psalm 4 brings a sense of resolution and peace, encouraging us to give our worries to God and find rest. Yet, this peace is contrasted with later Psalms, where tears flood the bed as the writer seeks victory through God's help. Love is a recurring theme throughout Psalms 4, 5, and 6. There's the wrongful love of the wicked in Psalm 4, followed by God's love for David in the subsequent Psalms. Even earlier, indirect references to love in Psalm 2 imply the depth of divine affection. In the whole book of psalms the steadfast love of God a huge theme (including 3 psalms with the anti friend Judas showing the opposite) Big emphasis on right worship. Right relationships with God and man. Silence before God and right worship is at the heart of this Psalm in the center verses Psalm 4:4-5. The main point of a poem often at the center. Psalm 4:4 advises us to be angry but not to sin, a cautionary reminder of the dangers of unchecked emotions. This contrasts with Psalm 2, where the Son of God's righteous anger is displayed without fault. In His divine perfection, even kings may falter under His wrath. This Psalm combines human emotion, divine guidance, and the assurance of God's love, providing comfort and wisdom for life's journey. He can rest. Gods face shines on him. God gives joy and god gives peace. And so ends with a portion of “The Lord keep you and make his face shine on you and give you peace.”
MS

Michael Scaman

The set of Psalms from 1 to 8 is a little like a musical scale setting the themes for the rest of the book. Jon Fesko in Songs of a Suffering King: The Grand Christ Hymn of Psalms 1 through 8 sees these, taken in a Christological way as Jesus incarnation, anointing at Baptism, bing rejected and opposed, vindicated and glorified: Psalm 1 - The incarnation of Jesus Psalm 2 - Angry nations and the Anointing of Jesus, the Son of God Psalm 3 - The angry nations include family opposing the Anointed Psalm 4 - Wrongly rejected but highly valued by God and a call for right worship. Psalm 5 - Persevering in the strength of knowing the love and delights of God Psalm 6 - A plea for mercy that rests on an appeal to God's glory Psalm 7 - Vindication of Jesus Psalm 8 - Glorification of Jesus, the second Adam Not to say there is no place for taking these also as pictures of the struggles of and promises for believers. Either way. Psalm 9 and 10 will be acrostic psalms on victory against evil is here and not yet and contrast fallen man with the un-fallen son of man of psalm 8 Psalms 11 through 14 will lead to the state of man being fallen, broken and sinful. There is no one righteous no not one. It will pivot again. So who can climb the mountain of God and dwell there?
GJ

greg jones

Good morning Maryann. “David cries out for relief from the distress of men who dishonor him with lies, slander, and disrespect. He points his enemies, perhaps even himself, toward righteousness, saying: "Be angry . . . do not sin . . . ponder . . . be silent. . . . Offer right sacrifices . . . put your trust in the LORD."” I think the deeper dive nails the words of Psalm 4. Placing this Psalm next to Psalm 3, David fleeing Absalom, doesn’t seem to be an accident. As King David approached Bahurim, a man from the same clan as Saul’s family came out from there. His name was Shimei son of Gera, and he cursed as he came out. He pelted David and all the king’s officials with stones, though all the troops and the special guard were on David’s right and left. As he cursed, Shimei said, “Get out, get out, you murderer, you scoundrel! The Lord has repaid you for all the blood you shed in the household of Saul, in whose place you have reigned. The Lord has given the kingdom into the hands of your son Absalom. You have come to ruin because you are a murderer!” 2 Samuel 16:5-8 Lies, slander and disrespect are on display as David flees from Absalom. (We know David had plenty of opportunities to kill Saul and was in no way responsible for his death as Shimei implies.) How doss David respond? Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and cut off his head.” But the king said, “What does this have to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? If he is cursing because the Lord said to him, ‘Curse David,’ who can ask, ‘Why do you do this?’” David then said to Abishai and all his officials, “My son, my own flesh and blood, is trying to kill me. How much more, then, this Benjamite! Leave him alone; let him curse, for the Lord has told him to. It may be that the Lord will look upon my misery and restore to me his covenant blessing instead of his curse today.” 2 Samuel 16:9-12 My picture of how Psalm 4 looks and works is the picture described in the deeper dive. 2 Samuel 16:5-12 doesn’t look and sound like my idea Psalm 4.
SB

Sue Bohlin

Thanks, Maryann. The last verse is such a powerful proclamation of trust. So many people have used this comforting verse as a meditation when they have trouble falling asleep: "In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety." The difference between this verse and a made-up resolution like "I am falling, falling, falling asleep" is that David's verse is the powerful, supernatural Word of God, and it has spiritual power that made-up statements, affirmations and resolution don't. I'm grateful to come across this verse because, even with the help of Benadryl, falling asleep the last few nights has been a challenge because of jet lag. My mind may know it's 11 pm but my body knows that it's the middle of the afternoon at home!
AL

Amy Lowther

1. God is strong, loving, and trustworthy. The characteristics of God shown in Psalm 4 encourage me to continue trusting Him in everything I do. 2. Matthew 6:14-15 brings light to John Piper’s comment on forgiveness and grudges. 3. Stringed instruments can produce music that enlighten life. 4. I think this has happened in life to people of the general public. 5. It provides values and knowledge that people can relate to and use in improving things when needed. Maryann - Thank you for sharing your ideas. I like the point you made, “God shows us undeserved mercy and grace every day, and so must we generously show mercy and forgiveness. As we love in this way, many will be drawn to Christ”. Excellent!
PC

Peyton Carver

This psalm reminds us to see God as one who is good and provides peace and joy for all of us. Verse 4 points to John Piper’s quote as it enforces the importance of not allowing your anger to cause you to sin. Unfortunately, we are all guilty of falling into the trap. Fortunately for us, we have Grace that can be found in Jesus alone. Paul is the perfect example of this as he was quite literally murdering people for being of the faith, however Jesus STILL showed him Grace. It really puts the sins of many of us in perspective and is a good reminder that no matter how much we have messed up, we have been given the choice to accept forgiveness for our sins if we choose to believe in Jesus and what he did for us. Simply meditating on the Gospel and really just forcing ourselves to be sure we are walking in the spirit each day can give us the strength to avoid the trap of allowing our anger to cause us to sin