In the Lord I Take Refuge: 31 Days in the PsalmsSample

This psalm expresses quiet trust amid troubling circumstances, combining the classic psalm categories of “individual lament“ and “psalm of confidence.” Many take this psalm to be a companion to Psalm 3 because 4:8 seems to echo 3:5. Perhaps the two psalms were meant to be read at the beginning and end of a single day since the past tense of 3:5 sets Psalm 3 in the morning while the future tense of 4:8 sets Psalm 4 in the evening.

Psalm 4 echoes the feelings of being overwhelmed expressed in the previous psalm. Here, however, David is in anguish not simply because of overwhelming opposition but because of the slander and taunting of his enemies. This is the pain not only of fear but of shame as well (v. 2).

David expresses the battle that rages in our hearts at night as we lay our heads on the pillow. On one side is stacked up all of the clamoring accusations, misunderstandings, and painful words of the day—of actual people in our lives, of demonic attack, or of our fallen minds. On the other side is the Lord. Both beckon to us; both invite us to listen. In the darkness of that moment, David makes up his mind: he will trust in the Lord (v. 5). The result? A greater joy than any material prosperity could ever provide (v. 7); a peace that supplies contented sleep (v. 8).

Trust in the Lord. He has set you apart for himself (v. 3). You are his. You have been united to his Son, and the sufferings of this present age can only heighten your future glory and joy (Rom. 8:18; 2 Cor. 4:16–18). Tonight, you may go to bed in peace. You could not be more secure.