Psalm 4:1-8 “For the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments. A Psalm by David. Answer me when I call, God of my righteousness. Give me relief from my distress. Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer. You sons of men, how long shall my glory be turned into dishonor? Will you love vanity and seek after falsehood? Selah. But know that the LORD has set apart for himself him who is godly; The LORD will hear when I call to him. Stand in awe, and don’t sin. Search your own heart on your bed, and be still. Selah. Offer the sacrifices of righteousness. Put your trust in the LORD. Many say, “Who will show us any good?” LORD, let the light of your face shine on us. You have put gladness in my heart, more than when their grain and their new wine are increased. In peace I will both lay myself down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me live in safety.”

Psalm 3:5 is in the past tense, signifying a morning prayer, and Psalm 4:8 seems to indicate that this is an evening prayer. Psalm 4 is a prayer asking God for help. David still has people after him even though he is God’s anointed king! David is confident that God will hear Him, because he is God’s: “the LORD has set apart for himself him who is godly.” He will not allow his anger at his persecutors to be his undoing, because he trusts in God: “Stand in awe, and don’t sin.” He is also humble and recognizes that God answering prayer is a result of grace: “Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.” David will be glad and experience peace because of God’s faithfulness, and the unrighteous will learn they shouldn’t underestimate God or His servants!

We too can have confidence that God hears us, because we are His!

1 Peter 3:12 “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears open to their prayer; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

Hebrews 4:16 “Let’s therefore draw near with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace for help in time of need.”

But we don’t take that for granted:

Luke 18:9-14 “He also spoke this parable to certain people who were convinced of their own righteousness, and who despised all others: ‘Two men went up into the temple to pray; one was a Pharisee, and the other was a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed by himself like this: “God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of men: extortionists, unrighteous, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week. I give tithes of all that I get.” But the tax collector, standing far away, wouldn’t even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.’”

For additional worship: Psalm 4 (When I Call) by The Psalms Project [feat. Melissa Breems]

Note: There are different ways that Psalm 4:4 can be translated; either “Stand in awe and don’t sin,” or “Be angry and don’t sin.” The word in Hebrew means “to tremble” or “to be agitated.” Ephesians 4:26 could be referring to this verse or could actually be referencing Psalm 37:8.