Peace Under Difficult Circumstances

Psalms 4:1–8
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)

1.  Plea (vv. 1-2) This section of Psalm 4 is divided into:

 a. A plea directed to God (v. 1).

 b. A rebuke directed to the writers own people (v. 2).

2. Counsel (vv. 3-5) Having condemned the opponents for seeking a solution to their difficulties by worshiping false gods, the writer now offers wise counsel.

a.  By calling the wayward to a renewed understanding of God’s special relationship with those who remain faithful to Him.

b.  By cultivating a proper attitude of humility.

 

3.  Confidence (vv. 6-8) The final segment of this Psalm turns from counsel to the writers own affirmation of confident joy in the provision of God. Even without the abundance promised by these false gods, there is a joy in relationshp with the true God that only the faithful can experience and understand. The writers confidence in God is demonstrated by his ability to lie down and go to sleep peacefully even in the face of difficulty. 

Two kinds of joy are contrasted (v. 7). There is an inward joy that comes from trusting in God and there is happiness that comes as a result of pleasant circumstances. In the face of great opposition David joyfully shared how he had great peace and security in God. The joy and contentment he experienced in trusting the Lord was greater than a farmer experiences at harvest time. While he was experiencing this outward jubilation he also had a quiet confidence that enabled him to sleep soundly as God watched over his safety (v. 8).

Application

It is so easy to let circumstances defeat me when all I need to do is turn everything over to the Lord. If David could experience true joy and peace under these difficult circumstances, so can I.