NIGHT-Psalm 4

Old Testament, Psalms, Sermons

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Desperation: “Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer” (Ps 4:1).

Night: “Tremble [Be angry] and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.” “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety” (Ps 4:4, 8).

Theme of Psalm 4: Trust in God’s faithfulness during times of distress. The psalmist expresses confidence in God’s protection and provision, even when faced with opposition and doubt from others.

Outline [Peace! Be Still! Who can I turn to?]:

  1. Appeal (Ps 4:1). Well-founded prayer.
  2. Rebuke (Ps 4:2-3). Reponding to lies.
  3. Exhortation (Ps 4:4-5). Responding to hot-heads.
  4. Contrast (Ps 4:6-7). Responding to sorrow.
  5. Security (Ps 4:8). Well-founded peace.

Application:

  1. Trust in God’s faithfulness during difficult times (Ps 4:1, 3, 5).
  2. Practice righteous anger without sinning (Ps 4:4).
  3. Seek God’s face rather than worldly pleasures (Ps 4:6-7).
  4. Find true joy and peace in God’s presence (Ps 4:8a).
  5. Rest securely in God’s protection (Ps 4:8b).

Questions:

  1. Who is the God prayed to (Ps 4:1a)? What does this mean (Ps 5:4-6)? Do you pray [or have you prayed] with such distress, desperation (Ps 77:2; 86:7) and confidence (Heb 11:1; Rom 8:38-39)?
  2. How long was his pain and agony (Ps 4:2; 6:3; 13:1-2)? Have you been humiliated (Ps 4:2)? What is his prayer (Ps 4:1b)? How would “false gods” motivate his opponents (Ps 4:2b)? How confident are you about God (Ps 4:3; 1 Pet 2:9)? [For more references: Ps 35:17; 62:3; 74:10; 79:5; 80:4; 89:46; 94:3; 119:84]
  3. What does it mean to “tremble and do not sin” (Ps 4:4a; Prov 1:7; 9:10)? What temptations do you face at night “on your beds”? How can you apply this in your life (Eph 4:26-27; Phil 2:12)? How do you “search your heart” (Ps 4:4b; Lam 3:40; 2 Cor 13:5)? Offer right sacrifices (Ps 4:5; Rom 12:1; Heb 13:15-16)? Trust God (Mt 6:33)?
  4. How does the psalmist contrast true joy with worldly happiness (Ps 4:6-7)?
  5. Do you claim God’s promise (Ps 4:8)? Do you [or how can you] experience peace and security (Ps 3:5; Prov 3:24; Phil 4:7)? What is the peace that comes through Christ (Jn 14:27; Col 3:15)?

 

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