The source of gladness

Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; be gracious to me and hear my prayer.
O sons of men, how long will my glory become a reproach? How long will you love what is worthless and seek falsehood?
Selah
But know that Yahweh has set apart the holy one for Himself; Yahweh hears when I call to Him.
Tremble, and do not sin; ponder in your heart upon your bed, and be still.
Selah
Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and trust in Yahweh.
Many are saying, “Who will show us good?” Lift up the light of Your face upon us, O Yahweh!
You have put gladness in my heart, more than when their grain and new wine abound.
In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You alone, O Yahweh, make me to abide in safety.

Psalm 4

Introduction

When difficulties arise and life seems unfair, it can be difficult to find the hand of a loving God in all of it. It is tempting to think God has abandoned you in times of distress, or even worse: that He does not exist. These conclusions have claimed the faith of many whose lives did not take all the expected turns.

But how blessed we are that David did not conclude in this way! Instead, by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, He gave us these songs of faith; an encouragement to weary hearts. Remember the pain and hardships he endured. From battle against a giant to pursuit by King Saul; from the betrayal of his own son to the betrayal of his own lusts, David was made the target of men and devils. He was not their target for no reason, however.

It is true that God’s faithfulness in the midst of David’s trials strengthened his faith and resolve, but it is also true that this very faithfulness might steel your own faith as you reflect on the words of scripture. It is worthy to remember that the Psalms were meant to be sung as a congregation gathered to worship. Not so different from the songs you may sing in Church today, the ancient people of God (and even many still to this day) would open the book of Psalms to sing to the Lord.

Tremble, and do not sin

As David distresses once again in this Psalm, notice the One whom he addresses: “O God of my righteousness!” This is not a normal title for God. In fact, this is the only time this title appears in all of scripture. But it is a comfort especially in times of difficulty and temptation. Why? Because our righteousness belongs to God. He is the author and sustainer of any good we may do, and so we can be assured that our good is not mustered up by our own effort or from the reserves we might run low on. Instead, our good originates from the heart of God, and our righteousness is a gift He grants to us.

So when you consider this command David makes to himself to “tremble, and do not sin,” it can be made with confidence that the God who chose him to be king also chose him to be righteous; and the God who chose you to believe will not let you fail. So know the strength to do good is not your own. Trust in Him and do not let fear get the better of you.

The temptation to sin in times of strife arises out of a lack of trust in God’s goodness. It says “if I do not take action, I will be in an even worse position than I am in now.” It is a trust in our own ability to use evil for our good rather than a trust in God’s ability to transform evil into good. And so you may be still, knowing God is the One in control of all our situations while He tests, rewards and strengthens.

Gladness in my heart

Unlike the one who trusts in God during his hardship is the one who calls out, “Who will show us good?” As if God has not already shown tremendous good to everyone who walks the earth. Even the wicked are shown good as they store up wrath for themselves in the day of judgment (Psalm 92:6-7). But since you remember God’s goodness, you have gladness in your heart. A gladness God placed there by His transcendent peace.

Peace from God is greater than any turmoil you experience, transcending all understanding (Philippians 4:7), and it is offered to you freely. Nothing that happens to you in this life can take away the joy we have at the mere thought of everlasting life with Christ. We may have gladness because God is good. We may have gladness because we know that whatever daunting evil stands before us is nothing compared to the God over all creation, and that its sole purpose is to be vanquished by the One who must rule until He has made every enemy a footstool for His feet (Psalm 110:1; 1 Corinthians 15:25).

May the Lord bless you and conform you into the image of His Son.