For those who may wish to ‘study’ this chapter, the following simple resources are provided for you. Each passage has a four-Part approach to help you take in and think further about what you have read.

Passage: Psalm 4 – Coping with Distress

1 Answer me when I call to you,
    my righteous God.
Give me relief from my distress;
    have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

2 How long will you people turn my glory into shame?
    How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?
3 Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself;
    the Lord hears when I call to him.

4 Tremble and do not sin;
    when you are on your beds,
    search your hearts and be silent.
5 Offer the sacrifices of the righteous
    and trust in the Lord.

6 Many, Lord, are asking, ‘Who will bring us prosperity?’
    Let the light of your face shine on us.
7 Fill my heart with joy
    when their grain and new wine abound.

8 In peace I will lie down and sleep,
    for you alone, Lord,
    make me dwell in safety.

A. Find Out:

1. How is David feeling? v.1
2. What appears to be happening? v.2
3. How does he reassure himself? v.3
4. What are people around him saying? v.6a
5. How has he been reassured? v.7
6. So what is his response? v.8

B. Think:

1. What is David’s problem?
2. In what two ways is he reassured?
3. How does he start and end his song?

C. Comment:

     David is in a state of anxiety. He feels in distress at what he sees around him and so calls on the Lord.

    First, the CAUSE of his distress: he sees around him people turning away from the Lord. They go after idols, they have fallen into deception or delusion and have even wondered if the Lord is still there. David is aware that God is righteous, and he needs to call on His mercy for the situation. As leader he, David, is in some way responsible.

    Second, his RESPONSE to his distress: he prays and seeks the Lord on the matter.

    Third, his REASSURANCE in his distress: he is still righteous, and the Lord will still hear him. Yes, he first holds to the truth of his personal circumstances, but then he also remembers what the Lord has done for him, in bringing great joy to him. Yes, he has not been cast away from God, he still knows His blessing.

    Fourth, his self COUNSEL in his distress: keep a right attitude David, make sure you keep a right heart in respect of others, keep your own relationship right with the Lord and rest in that.

    Finally, the OUTCOME of his distress: having prayed it out he has a sense of peace that he can leave it with the Lord and sleep in peace.

D. Application?

1. A sensitive heart senses the state of the world round about and prays it out to God.
2. A righteous heart rests in God.