Today’s post is part of our Psalm Saturdays series from guest blogger Robert Chamberlain. You can contact him by sending a message to  bobjc88 @ gmail.com.

Psalm 4:1–8 (ESV)
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, 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, 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.

David wanted an answer to his prayers. Even so, he could testify that God had comforted him in his sorrows. He wanted more though: He wanted the light of God’s presence in His heart.

When men oppose us, God can be on our side. It doesn’t matter so much if people are against us, if God is for us. God can make us like Him, and bring us onside with Him.

It’s okay to be angry at things that aren’t right. It’s not okay however to lose our tempers. So we need to learn to be sinlessly angry, by the grace of God.

Where do you find joy? In lots of food and drink? That’s all very well, but David found more joy in his relationship with the Lord Himself.

This has been described as a bedtime Psalm. David could have a good night’s sleep without fretting because he trusted in the Lord. God is the one who gives us peace and security, so we can rest secure in Him.

“Yahweh, our God, please grant us the sleep we need, and help us to trust in You. May our joy be in You more than any of Your good gifts. In Christ’s name, amen.”

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