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1 Answer me when I call to you,
my righteous God.
Give me relief from my distress;
have mercy on me and hear my prayer.
2 How long will you people turn my glory into
shame?
How long will you love delusions and seek
false gods?[b][c]
3 Know that the LORD has set apart his faithful
servant for himself;
the LORD hears when I call to him.
4 Tremble and[d] do not sin;
when you are on your beds,
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search your hearts and be silent.
5 Offer the sacrifices of the righteous
and trust in the LORD.
6 Many, LORD, are asking, ‘Who will bring us
prosperity?’
Let the light of your face shine on us.
7 Fill my heart with joy
when their grain and new wine abound.
8 In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, LORD,
make me dwell in safety.
(NIV)
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Footnotes
a. Psalm 4:1 In Hebrew texts 4:1-8 is numbered 4:2-9.
b. Psalm 4:2 Or seek lies
c. Psalm 4:2 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 4.
d. Psalm 4:4 Or In your anger (see Septuagint)
The Hebrew title, ‘by David’, Trust in God sets mind and body to rest.
Verse 8 indicates that this psalm is an evening prayer. A prayer for inner peace.
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There are small differences in different translations, which shows how difficult the psalm has been to translate, and how it should be read.
Some see it as a companion to Psalm 3, a king’s psalm, and place it at the time of Absalom’s rebellion.
It is thought to be David’s expression of faith in God, and a cry to rally his dispirited followers. David is besieged with suffering, injustice and oppression. Additionally, it exhibits the changing attitudes of the worshiper in his most difficult circumstances. David’s movement will be from anxiety to assurance, as he travels down the road of prayer and trust in God. At the end of yet another day of pressure, pain, and persecution, David engages in conversation which ultimately led to a point of blessed relaxation:
How many people are today living in despair at what is happening to them? and do not know God or how to turn God who loves them, for help.
When help comes along do we turn and give our thanks to God?
or do we forget God’s help and just accept it as, what will happen will happen.
Take time to pray to God, give him your thoughts your worries and let Him help you through the night and into the next day.
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