Sermon text
Psalm 4
¹ Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!
You have given me relief when I was in distress.
Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!
² O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame?
How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah
³ But know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself;
the LORD hears when I call to him.
⁴ Be angry, and do not sin;
ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah
⁵ Offer right sacrifices,
and put your trust in the LORD.
⁶ There are many who say, “Who will show us some good?
Lift up the light of your face upon us, O LORD!”
⁷ You have put more joy in my heart
than they have when their grain and wine abound.
⁸ In peace I will both lie down and sleep;
for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Applying the text
- How have you experienced distress in your life? How has your distress affected your heart towards God?
- How does knowing that God is your righteous Judge encourage you when you suffer?
- So often, anger can lead to sin. What are some examples of individuals experiencing anger that does not lead to sin?
- The joy of knowing God far exceeds the joy of “grain and wine”, but sometimes grain and wine can take the place of ultimate joy in our lives. What things are you tempted to seek your ultimate joy in?
