2 Peter 1:20-21 – But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

This is a good verse to remember as we view the Old Testament scriptures through the lens of the gospel. The Holy Spirit who inspired the Gospels and the rest of the New Testament books after Jesus had ascended back into heaven is the same Person who inspired the historical books, the Psalms and proverbs, and the prophetic scriptures that pointed forward toward the coming of the Son of God.

The purpose of scripture is to reveal Jesus, for He is the answer to all our big questions: Who are we? How did we get here? What is our purpose? The answers are there, written for us, but we must keep a humble attitude and constantly ask the Holy Spirit to be our teacher as we interpret their meaning. The Bible is not a book about us, but a book about God.

The psalms were written to help God’s people know how to praise God properly, in spirit and in truth. In them, we see the character of God and how we are to live in response. Let’s explore Psalm 4 and see what we can learn.

Psalm 4:1 – Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; be gracious to me and hear my prayer.

David begins with a prayer, asking for God’s grace as he calls out to the One who has already acted on his behalf. He acknowledges that his right standing before God comes from God, not himself. God has relieved him in his distress—that sinful state to which we were born, and now he can call out to God in confidence. We have access to God’s throne room through the righteousness of Christ; we come as those who have been rescued from the kingdom of darkness and redeemed citizens of Christ’s kingdom (Colossians 1:13-14). The Amplified translation says, “You have freed me when I was hemmed in and enlarged me when I was in distress.”

Psalm 4:2-3 – O sons of men, how long will my honor become a reproach? How long will you love what is worthless and aim at deception? Selah. But know that the Lord has set apart the godly man for Himself; the Lord hears when I call to Him.

David calls out to the sons of men in their pursuit of what dishonors God. Certainly, this applies to all who are ungodly, unsaved, and outside of God’s family. They dishonor God’s name and love the things of the world. But it is also a reminder to God’s people when we choose to live according to the principles of this world rather than in obedience to God. By our claim on the name of Jesus as His follower, we bring reproach to God’s glory. We trade what is precious and valuable for what is worthless, and exchange truth for deception and lies.

David reminds us that as God’s people, we are set apart for God, not ourselves. We belong to Him. The relationship that gives us access and confidence that He hears our prayers is the same relationship that binds our hearts in loyalty and faithfulness to the things His heart loves.

Psalm 4:4-5 – Tremble, and do not sin; meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah. Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and trust in the Lord.

How do we honor God and avoid bringing reproach? We tremble—we recognize sin is a serious thing to God. In the quietness of the night before we fall asleep and in those early morning hours when God awakens us before time to get up we meditate on the state of our hearts. We still our thoughts and ask God to bring things to mind that need confession and repentance. We rise with a renewed heart to be a “living sacrifice” — a life that is rightly ordered toward the things of God (Romans 12:1-2). And because we live according to His ways, we can trust Him for whatever comes in our day.

Psalm 4:6-8 – Many are saying, “Who will show us any good?” Lift up the light of Your countenance upon us, O Lord! You have put gladness in my heart, more than when their grain and new wine abound. In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You alone, O Lord, make me to dwell in safety.

Again, David brings attention to the contrast between those who are seek God’s favor and those who are looking for the “good” this world offers. Grain and new wine (the temporary pleasures and provisions of this life) cannot compare to the gladness of the heart that is fully committed to God. Only in Him will we lie down and sleep in peace, trusting that all is well with our soul.

I love how Matthew Henry sums up this little psalm:

In singing these verses, and praying over them, let us, with a holy contempt of the wealth and pleasure of this world, as insufficient to make us happy, earnestly seek the favour of God and pleasingly solace ourselves in that favour; and, with a holy indifferency about the issue of all our worldly concerns, let us commit ourselves and all our affairs to the guidance and custody of the divine Providence, and be satisfied that all shall be made to work for good to us if we keep ourselves in the love of God.