The Spiritual Present

Psalm 4 (April 26, 2009)

1) The Text

1Answer me when I call, O God of my right! You gave me room when I was in distress. Be gracious to me, and hear my prayer.
2How long, you people, shall my honor suffer shame? How long will you love vain words, and seek after lies? Selah
3But know that the Lord has set apart the faithful for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him.
4When you are disturbed, do not sin; ponder it on your beds, and be silent. Selah
5Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the Lord.
6There are many who say, “O that we might see some good! Let the light of your face shine on us, O Lord!”
7You have put gladness in my heart more than when their grain and wine abound.
8I will both lie down and sleep in peace; for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.

2) The Context

Psalms is a collection of collections. The psalms were written over many centuries, stretching from the days of Solomon's temple (about 950 BC) to after the Exile (about 350 BC.) Psalms are of five types: hymns of praise, laments, thanksgiving psalms, royal psalms, and wisdom psalms. Within the book, there are five "books"; there is a doxology ("Blessed be ... Amen and Amen") at the end of each book.

The psalmist calls on God, knowing that God is on his side (“of my right”). God has helped him in the past; may he hear his plea now. The psalmist addresses his foes in v. 2: how long will you slander me? You need to realize that God considers me (“the faithful”, v. 3) to be his, so he will respond to my prayer – so beware! Angry (“disturbed”, v. 4) as you are, seek inner quiet through silent meditation. Further, offer the “sacrifices” (v. 5) demanded by the Law (“right”) and trust in God. Others seek what is “good” (v. 6); I pray that God may favour them. I know that inner joy, given by God, which I have received, is much more valuable (v. 7). So as I go to sleep, I rest assured of God’s peace and protection (v. 8).

3) Interpretation

Almost everyone can point to a time in life when they were deeply happy. For some, courtship and marriage were those times of joy. For others, high school or college days stand out. Some even point to the birth of children. In hindsight, some events stand out as times to savor.
Then, there are times that are unpleasant. Events can verge on tragic; the burdens of daily life become overwhelming. These are the times we might reminisce in the experiences of our youth, even indulge in melancholy. Then, we might pray for better times ahead.

Why are some times better than others? Why do some yearn for the “good old days” or look forward to the “green pastures” that lie ahead? Isn’t today enough? These were the kind of questions Psalm 4 posed. It was a prayer of supplication that could be divided into three sections: 1) call for God’s answer (4:2) from the criticism of enemies (4:3), 2) a reminder of God’s power and the need for faith in the Lord (4:4-6), and 3) the popular prayer for better times (4:5) with the caveat that the present can give more joy than any imagined future (4:6-9). These three sections created an implied dialogue between the person under attack and the desire to escape to a better time.

Notice night time sleep marked the test of happiness. 4:6 had the imperative to cease sinning and to reflect in silence on one’s bed. 4:9 was an act of faith that the faithful person could lie down and sleep in the peace only the Lord could provide. Sleep was a time of restoration and rest; dreams were also a means for God to reveal his will. For the ancient Jew (and many modern believers), the quantity and quality of sleep implied a test for a clear conscience and a place close to the Lord.

There is certainly nothing wrong with fondly remembering the past or planning for the future. But, should we look behind or ahead for some sense of spiritual fulfillment? If we do, we will only play a game of “what was?” or “what could be?” and not “what is.” If nothing else, Psalm 4 plants us in the spiritual present. We might not have everything we want, but God gives us all we need for now and that is more than enough.

Take time to consider how God provides for you at this moment. Despite your desires for better times, thank him for his providence.

4) Thought Exercise

How does God provide for you at each moment?

How can we find spiritual fulfillment by focusing on ‘what is’?