Psalm 4:1 reminds me that God pulled me out of the miry clay and set my feet on firm ground. He gave me reasons to live when life seemed meaningless. Do I routinely remember that? In the day to day minutia of life I think it’s easy to forget that God rescued us from sin and gave us life – not just any life but eternal life with Him. He gave us a way to defeat death. Nobody else could give us a gift like that. Look how David remembers God:
To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Psalm of David. 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!
Psalm 4:1 (ESV)
When my life sucked God gave me relief. Nobody else could have done that for me. My life was nothing but a total disaster (that’s putting it lightly) at one point. God rescued me when I was in distress. I need to remember that and thank Him!
This Psalm reminds me that God loves me. He loves and protects all those whose hearts are blameless toward Him. We can rest in peace and assurance knowing God will protect us. I ask the question, “Does this mean Christians won’t be poor or get sick?” I don’t think that’s what David means. I think David means that trusting God results in an inner peace that surpasses understanding. We no longer have to fear when we trust God with our lives. No matter what happens in this life, we will spend eternity with Him.
We often find blessings on earth when we follow Him. But people who trust God also suffer. Look at Job. Look at Paul. I choose to look at Scripture in light of eternity. And I choose to trust God and believe that He will protect me, as I would protect my own child.
In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 4:8 (ESV)