Psalm 4

We often assume that the Psalms are prayers addressed to God, which is true enough, but only partly so.  They are actually more like conversations that include a variety of parties.  The Psalmist does speak to God, of course, as God speaks to him.  But he also speaks to friends, fellow Israelites, enemies, and even himself.  Sometimes he gives hints about the circumstances that prompted him to write, too.  Once we understand the constant shift in audiences and the larger context (when it is possible to discover it), the Psalms begin to take on more meaning.

Take, for example, Psalm 4.  It is obvious from the first verse that the Psalmist faces some kind of distress, most likely a national distress.

The Psalmist begins by addressing God.  He recalls that God has always given him “room” when in distress.  Circumstances might have squeezed him in, but not God.  God hears and answers his prayers.

Which naturally leads us to ask, “How does God actually answer his prayers?”  As we shall see shortly, not as we might think.

Answer me when I call, O God of my right!
You gave me room when I was in distress.
Be gracious to me, and hear my prayer.

Then the Psalmist turns to address the community, his fellow Israelites.  They are distressed, too.  But he is ashamed of their response. They are looking for quick and easy solutions that fail to demonstrate genuine faith in God.  Consequently, they have begun to chase after “vain words” and “lies.”  They are looking for a charismatic leader or some grand political strategy to deliver them.  They are turning away from God and compromising their religious convictions.  The Psalmist sees disaster looming ahead.

How long, you people, shall my honor suffer shame?
    How long will you love vain words, and seek after lies?

The Psalmist follows another pathway.  Trust in God shapes his response.  He faces the same circumstances, to be sure; but he sees them differently.  He believes that God is for him—and for his people, too, if they would only turn to God and trust God.

But know that the Lord has set apart the faithful for himself;
    the Lord hears when I call to him.

But he also understands how human and natural it is to feel the distress.  Though disturbed [the RSV uses the word “angry”], he does not sin.  Anger is not the problem.  It is response to the emotion that often causes trouble.  He seeks solitude, sits in silence, and ponders his distress in privacy.  Meanwhile, he continues to practice his faith—to “offer right sacrifices and put his trust” in God.  He orients his life around God.  He makes sure God remains his true north. 

When you are disturbed, do not sin;
    ponder it on your beds, and be silent.
Offer right sacrifices,
    and put your trust in the Lord.

Then he turns once again toward the people and speaks to them.  He hears them complain: “O that we might see some good!”  They want God to show up and do something.  They want to see God’s light shine, God’s goodness flow over them, God’s will prevail.

But what is the “good” they seek?  What would satisfy them?  They want their "grain and wine” to abound.  Good circumstances.  Financial prosperity.  God’s favor.  Victory.  They are confusing their will with God’s will.  They want to get their own way, and they want God to act on their behalf.  In short, they want the “good life.”

There are many who say, “O that we might see some good!
    Let the light of your face shine on us, O Lord!”

But the Psalmist thinks otherwise.  He simply wants God, and thus what God wants for him.  The result is not the good life but gladness of heart, which is more internal and thus less dependent on immediate circumstances.

You have put gladness in my heart
    more than when their grain and wine abound.

This desire for God gives the Psalmist peace.  He can put his head on his pillow and sleep the night.  He feels safe and secure.  He can rest. 

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

Vain words.  Lies.

What makes us vulnerable to such things?  It is the temptation to take shortcuts in a crisis, to solve the problem any way we can, to trust a “big man” who promises us the moon, to blame people who stand in our way, to plot schemes to get our way, even at the cost of our integrity.

It is America at the end of 2020.

Here is our challenge: do we want grain and wine to abound?  Of course we do!  That is normal and natural enough.  But once that desire becomes ultimate, it drives us toward self destruction.

The Psalmist seeks for something greater—God’s way.

And, really, just God.  Which inevitably leads to gladness of heart.

Our nation is in strife.  We feel distress and anger.  We are chasing after vain words and lies.  The Psalmist is saying there is another way.  It is not too late for us.  It is never too late.

Then again, it is never too early either.  NOW is the time.