See the Big Picture. Dig In. Live It Out: A 5-Day Reading Plan in Psalms 1-50Sample

The Big Picture

Psalms 3 and 4 are both psalms of David and prayers he prayed when oppressed by his enemies. The superscription of Psalm 3 indicates the circumstances of this prayer were when David was ousted from the throne of Israel by his son Absalom and was fleeing for his life (cf. 2 Sam. 15–16). It is reasonable to consider the night-time prayer of Psalm 4 was uttered during this period of his life too as David contemplated his perilous state of affairs. For instance, both psalms refer to lying down and sleeping, and both recognized the threat of David’s enemies and the salvation, peace, and security belonging to the one who puts one’s trust in the Lord. However, whether or not David prayed these psalms during the same crisis or on two completely separate occasions is ultimately irrelevant. Both prayers show the wisdom in turning to God in faith during times of difficulty and the help that comes from him.

Digging In

The prayers of both Psalms 3 and 4 consist of a plea for God’s help. David prayed, “Save me, my God!” (Ps. 3:7), “Answer me when I call,” “be gracious to me and hear my prayer” (4:1), and “the Lord will hear when I call to him” (4:3). Such appeals and declarations are a display of true faith in God—faith that God graciously hears the prayers of his children, faith that he cares about his children, and faith that he is able to deliver them in their time of need. Children of God are never stronger than when they recognize their total dependence on God, and their situation is never more precarious than when they fail to recognize that dependence. Moreover, the strength that comes from this recognized dependency on God ushers in confidence that chases away every fear. 

Such confidence does not come from the foolish notion that “I believe it, therefore it must be so.” No, it comes from the reality of who God is. He is a “shield around” those who put their trust in him (3:3). He answers the prayers of his servants (3:4) and “sustains” them, meaning they can lean on God for support (3:5). The people of God are in his favor and he delivers them from trouble (3:8). He is a righteous God who upholds his righteous people. In times past, God has freed his people when in a tight spot (4:1). It is this intimate knowledge of who God is that enables David to assert these claims and have confidence as he contemplates his present trouble. There are some things better forgotten, but the child of God must never forget God’s faithfulness in the past. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb. 13:8). Remembering God’s faithfulness in the past produces strength for present challenges and hope for the future. 

Consequently, David denounced the attacks of his enemies, even when his enemies appeared to be a multitude and claimed God had abandoned him. David’s declaration that his enemies love what is worthless and pursue lies most likely means that they were inventing false accusations against him to disgrace him. However, the words David spoke to himself were far more important than the words his enemies spoke about him. In Psalm 3:5–6, he wrote, “I lie down and sleep; I wake again because the Lord sustains me. I will not be afraid of thousands of people who have taken their stand against me on every side.” David reminded himself of the rest and support that comes from trusting in the Lord. Therefore, no matter how desperate his situation appeared to be, he would not be afraid. He knew the God who had struck down and broken his enemies in the past would do so again (3:7). 

In addition, in Psalm 4:3–5, David addressed himself saying, “Know that the Lord has set apart the faithful for himself; the Lord will hear when I call to him. Be angry and do not sin; on your bed, reflect in your heart and be still. Offer sacrifices in righteousness and trust in the Lord.” Of what did David remind himself? 1) God sets apart the faithful from the unfaithful. God makes a distinction between those who love and serve him and those who do not. God takes sides, and he takes the side of those who are faithful to him. 2) The Lord listens to the prayers of his children. Just as loving parents are attentive to the cries of their children, God is even more attentive to the cries of his children. 3) Do not allow your anger to lead you to sin. One can be angry about sin, but the answer to sin is never to sin. 4) Consider your own heart and be at rest. You cannot control the hearts of others, but you can deal with what is in your own heart. 5) Worship the Lord in righteous obedience no matter what your difficulty is. And 6) trust in the Lord. 

Suffering of any kind is difficult, but suffering caused by others who purposely intend to cause one harm is especially challenging. Whatever, the cause of one’s troubles and no matter how dire things get, instead of asking the question “Who can show us anything good?” (4:6), one must remember “Salvation belongs to the Lord” and pray for his blessing upon his people (3:8). It is then that like David, one will experience overflowing joy, peaceful rest, and safety (4:7–8).

Living It Out

Jesus clearly teaches that the world will hate His followers because the world hated Him first (John 15:18–25). This truth is somewhat comforting, but it does not remove the sting from the attacks of our enemies. Psalms 3 and 4 show us what we need to do when we suffer such abuse. 1) We need to cry out to God for help, trusting him to hear our prayers as a loving father hears the cries of his child. 2) We need to remember God is a saving God. And 3) we need to remind ourselves of who we are in Christ, to pursue righteousness, and to rest joyfully in his watchful care.