It Is Me

In today’s context, this Psalm reminds us of a telephonic conversation with our friends and relatives. After changing our phone numbers, many people would not recognize us, as the number does not appear on their phone-book. In that case, we have to send a message intimating them about the change in our number saying “it is me”. The Psalmist felt the same way and assumed that because of his pursuit for freedom, his fashion of addressing God would have differed, resulting in God not recognize him. However, David believed that if God knew that it was him, then He would answer him. God never forgets us or forsakes us, as He has engraved our pictures in the palm of His hands. The same David sang songs about the protection of God saying that God never slumbers nor sleeps. God never forgets us, but it is our sin that comes between us and God, blocking our prayers from reaching Him.

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!

Psalms 4:1 (ESV)

David was trying to connect with God by reminding God how he had received relief from Him earlier. We should stop lamenting over the things that we are waiting for but keep giving thanks to Him for the blessings that He has bestowed on us. A better way to be in touch with God is to remind ourselves of what He has done in our lives. God loved us so much and spared His only begotten Son as ransom for our redemption.

Make People Know Our Relationship With God

We often fail to project our relationship with God, as we conform to the belief and lifestyle of worldly people. When someone shares their pain, we tend to share our problems to convince them that we are sailing in the same boat. God is always keen that we should tell people about how He sustains us despite our problems. The psalmist challenged his enemies that they could not defame his name any longer because God will make them understand that He has set him apart to glorify His name. While we pray in the presence of non-believers, our prayer should always bring out the truth about who is God in our lives.

O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame?
How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah
But know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself;
the LORD hears when I call to him.

Psalms 4:2-3

Elijah prayed the same kind of prayer at Mount Carmel and all the people who had assembled, confessed that – the LORD is God (1 Kings 18:39). Before calling Lazarus out of the tomb, Jesus prayed to His Father to make known the relationship between Him and His Father.

Be Angry?

Be angry, and do not sin;
ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah
Offer right sacrifices,
and put your trust in the LORD.

Psalms 4:4-5

The Psalmist tells us to be angry, and at the same time, asks us not to sin. James had the idea that the anger of men does not produce the righteousness of God. It seems that these two statements are contradicting each other, but perhaps not. While James focused on the outcome, David reasoned why anger did not accomplish the righteousness of God. David wrote this statement with his personal experience. He was angry at Saul but God guarded him from sinning by not killing Saul.

Sharing our emotions with friends and relatives may induce anger. Sharing of inability, weakness, anger and frustration with Jesus will calm us down. David often addressed his problems to God and calmed his troubled soul with His tender words. Jesus did it on the cross by pleading pardon for sinners from His Father. Psalmist talked about offering the appropriate sacrifices and asked us to put our trust in God. The just offering is pleading pardon for the people coming against us and restraining ourselves from bouncing back or stooping down.

The Face of The Lord

People search for worldly blessings, and they wonder who would bless them. James explained that every good and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights. The Psalmist asked for the face of God to be shone upon him and his people, while the worldly people ask for wealth and happiness.

There are many who say, “Who will show us some good?
Lift up the light of your face upon us, O LORD!”
You have put more joy in my heart
than they have when their grain and wine abound.

Psalms 4:6-7

David recalled the set of words given to Aaron and his sons, to bless the people of Israel and have them them under the name of the Lord so that He may bless them.

The LORD bless you and keep you;
the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
“So shall they put my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them.”

Numbers 6:24-27

The Psalmist was longing for this blessing from the Lord, and he had experienced great joy by obtaining this. God’s presence gave him holistic gladness more than that of people cherishing when they are blessed with worldly materials.

The Peace of God

In peace I will both lie down and sleep;
for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

Psalms 4:8

Despite the threat to his life, David was confident enough to trust God for the safety of both his body and soul, and he enjoyed a good night’s sleep. Peter had a sound sleep at night though the king planned his killing in the morning. Trusting God in all respect gives us a good night’s sleep despite the hostile conditions that may surround us. The significance of David’s Psalms is that while he addresses life-issues, he addresses them both to his body and soul to keep his understanding of God and His abilities. David guarded himself from falling down in pursuit of gaining worldly knowledge. If we put our trust in God, and read this Psalm, He will provide us a deep sleep despite threats, sicknesses, and nightmares with utmost safety in this life and the life yet to come.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:7