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During the past three months, most days I have meditated in Psalm 4. This Psalm has become a good friend.
I consider favorite chapters/verses to be friends. They talk to me and through them, I talk to God. I get wisdom and revelation from these passages. They often chastise, and proverbially kick me in the butt. They comfort and encourage as well.
I have a great friend with Psalm 4!
During my prayers and conversations the last two weeks while dealing with COVID, praying about my succession, renovating/selling our house, the election, and my ministry with all of you, Psalm 4 has been sitting next to me.
The chapter assures us that God relieves distress and answers prayer:
You have relieved me in my distress!
Be gracious to me and hear my prayer (verse1).
The theme of Psalm 4 is joy:
You have put joy in my heart,
More than when the grain and new wine abound (verse 7).
Underlying this trust in answered prayer and receiving joy is the promise of a good night’s sleep. For this promise alone, you should memorize Psalm 4!
In peace I will both lie down and sleep,
For you alone, Lord, have me dwell in safety (verse 8).
The Lord spoke to me recently in my devotions about Psalm 4. Not a loud burning bush voice or shining light along the Road to Damascus voice but a quieter voice. As it says in verse 4: “Meditate in your heart upon your bed and be still.”
The “still” or “quiet” voice of my friend, Psalm 4, said, “I’m going to be your best friend ever in 2021.”
Wow, I need a friend.
I believe that 3,000 years ago when King David wrote this psalm, he was thinking of Pastor Grant in 2021.
Okay, I get a bit looney about scripture. King David wasn’t thinking of me, but I’m not off the mark when I consider that God, when He inspired David to write Psalm 4, was thinking of me.
Verse 3 says that God sets the godly apart for Himself. Why wouldn’t God write certain chapters for “such a time as this” moments in our lives for those living thousands of years later?
God does this sort of thing – the benefits that we receive for His being eternal and all-knowing.
I want to challenge you to consider Psalm 4 as your chapter for 2021. God wrote this chapter for you, too, and I think for our country.
The chapter speaks of a close relationship with God. Three times it mentions that God hears our prayers; the chapter twice promises a good night’s sleep, and joy too.
What else do you need in 2021? Claim these promises as you think, pray, meditate, and memorize Psalm 4 for 2021.
There is a challenge in Psalm 4. I am considering what the specifics will be for me.
In verse 2, King David describes those not following God: “How long will you love what is worthless and strive for a lie?” Whenever scripture rebukes, the Spirit extends a counteroffer like, repent and do this and I (God) will do this.
The counteroffer is in verse 5: “Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and trust in the Lord.” The Lord is asking you to sacrifice. Sacrifice what? Let’s ask together for the specifics of our personal obedience.
The world, our country, your family, and your faith need to witness trust in 2021. In 2020, fear, anxiety, mixed loyalties in Christians, confusion, and doubt abound. I believe that because of 2020, God wants to raise up a church in 2021 that trusts the goodness and greatness of God.
This is the lesson of Psalm 4. This is the lesson of Psalm 4. This is the lesson of Psalm 4.
Trust in the Lord in 2021. Obey Jesus from this trust – in whatever extreme specific that He gives you. You will sleep better in 2021 than in 2020.
SchhszZZZZsnorbbbawheez… Oops, sorry, getting a head start on the sleep thing.
Psalm 4 for 2021!