If the struggles of life keep you awake at night, perhaps these words regarding Psalm 4 may help you this Wednesday:
David is expressing the battle that rages within our heart at night as we lay our head down on the pillow. On one side is stacked up all of the clamoring accusations and misunderstandings and painful words of the day—of actual people in our lives or of demonic attack or of our own fallen minds. On the other side is the Lord. Both beckon to us; both invite us to listen. In the darkness of that moment, David makes up his mind: he will trust in the Lord (v. 5). The result? A greater joy than any material prosperity could ever provide (v. 7); a peace that supplies contented sleep (v. 8).
Trust in the Lord. He has set you apart for himself (v. 3). You are his. You have been united to his Son, and the sufferings of this present age can only heighten your future glory and joy (Rom. 8:18; 2 Cor. 4:16–18). Tonight, you may go to bed in peace. You could not be more secure.[1]
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How can we have peaceful sleep at night (verse 8) and joy—even when others are prospering and we are not (verse 7)? Consider whether you have a divided heart—making success or relationships into idols—and repent (verse 2). Consider whether you have a bitter heart—and forgive (verse 4). Finally, in prayer, seek God’s face, a sense of his presence and his love on your heart (verse 6). Then we can know we are safe in God, come what may.[2]
[1] Dane C. Ortlund, In the Lord I Take Refuge (p. 18). Crossway. Kindle Edition.
[2] Timothy and Kathy Keller, The Songs of Jesus (p. 5). Penguin Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
