Psalm 4 God is a Call Away

When I first became a follower of Christ, I was ridiculed by family and friends about my new found faith. They called me freak, religious, fanatic, holy roller, etc. I remember the many times that their name-calling just got to me and made me furious. At times, I would lie in bed and ponder on the events of the day wishing at times that God would show up and do something about these people. But then, I would call on the Lord and he would deliver me from those bad thoughts.


David wrote this song in Psalm 4 that deals with the same issue. But though he was taunted by his enemies concerning his God and his faith, he counsels to ponder and not sin; to trust in the Lord and continue to be faithful in his service; to call on the Lord and he would answer. "4 Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent." 


Instead of allowing anger to brew more sin, he ponders on the goodness of God and all the joy he has provided for his life. In his meditations, he has concluded: "7 You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound." The benefits of serving the Lord are so much greater than our grievances that it should fill us with peace and allow us to have a great night sleep to prepare to do it all over again the next day. 


God calls me to trust him; to call on him when in distress; and to recall all his blessings when I think I am  treated unjustly in this world. God is only a call away. When I do so, I will find joy and peace that will enable me to sleep well. I will be able to cry out like David: "8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." 


Father, help me to trust you. Enable me to call on you when in distress. Fill my mind with thoughts of your goodness that I may rejoice in you every day and that I may be in peace to sleep well every night. Amen.