May 7, 2025

May 7   Psalm 4

David is not disrespecting God when he says "Answer me when I call to you" in verse 1.  When we read that sometimes we think of someone being rude or disrespectful when telling God to do something.  If you said that to a teacher or parents when you were a child, you might get in trouble for being disrespectful. When I read this, I am seeing a man who is both desperate and open with God.  He still loves, respects, and reveres God even in the midst of his challenge.  David still trusts God will work and take care of him.  He desperately needs God to answer his prayers, so he speaks with desperation. I feel like this a good reminder that we can be honest with God when we pray. When we really need God to work, we can ask with both desperation and trust.

Verse 8 is a very encouraging verse.  When we are stressed out or feel overwhelmed, we may struggle with sleep.  It can be hard to shut our minds off to the dangers or the stresses of the day and find rest.  A lack of sleep and rest never makes a situation better; it just makes it much more difficult for us.  David can lie down and sleep in peace because he knows that the LORD is on his side and will care for him.  Some of us have been told if we can't sleep, we should count sheep.  I think a better approach is to count our blessings.  When we remember what we have been given, how God has cared for us, and the good we still see in the midst of our circumstances it helps us find rest and calm in Jesus.