Psalm 4:1 "Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer."
It is apparent that David was deeply troubled when writing this Psalm. He both
begins and ends this verse with the words, "Hear me" and "Hear
my prayer." No doubt he was seeking the grace and mercy concerning a
situation in his life. I think we can all identify with him in that we have had
situations and circumstances in which we pour our hearts out to the Lord
seeking His divine and blessed help in our lives. "Hear my cry! Hear my
plea! Lord, I need you to help me"
Notice what he said between the two requests for God to hear his prayer.
"Thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress." In saying these
words, David was remembering past times in his life when he had experienced the
Lord's help. He possibly was thinking back to a lion or a bear that had tried
to rob from his flock. He may have been thinking about the day he went out
against Goliath. Whatever was going through his mind, he was reminding himself
of past deliverances from the Lord. This is so important for us to keep
in mind the manner in which the Lord has been our help and shield in times
past. It is important to remember when the Lord was the "lifter up of our
head" in times of sorrow. Why is this important? As we think back on
past times of God's help, our faith is bolstered in our current
situation. This principle is promoted throughout the Word of God. Remember
the Lord God and His blessings. Be thankful for them even as we make our new
requests.
David closes this Psalm with words of comfort for himself and for us. "I
will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell
in safety." (Psalm 4:8) I don't think I'm the only one who has laid
down at night and suddenly finds my mind filled with all kinds of thoughts
about things that I have no control over; yet, I want to try to solve them all.
I lay there sometimes for hours and I actually accomplish nothing other than
losing precious sleep. David gave us the key to a good night's
sleep. Pray for the situation. Be thankful that God has heard past
prayers. Seek His answer. Leave it in His hands. Close your eyes in joyful
sleep.
This is not an easy thing to accomplish; yet it is the only true way to peace.
"Take your burdens to the Lord and leave them there."