Psalms 4: Trusting God Before Sleep
A quiet evening plea to trust the LORD over vanity.
Following the morning confidence of Psalms 3, this chapter is David's evening counterpart, asking God to hear his prayer and challenging others who chase vanity and lies instead of righteousness. He urges his hearers to be still, offer right sacrifices, and put their trust in the LORD.
When I cry, answer me, O mine own righteous God, In a strait place, thou hast made room for me, Show me favour, and hear my prayer.
Ye sons of the great! how long, turning my glory to contempt, will ye love emptiness, will ye seek falsehood? [Selah.]
Know ye, then, that Yahweh hath set apart the man of lovingkindness for himself: Yahweh, will hear, when I cry to him.
Be deeply moved, but do not sin,—Ponder in your own heart upon your bed, and be silent. [Selah.]
Sacrifice the sacrifices of righteousness; and put your trust in Yahweh.
Multitudes, are saying, Who will show us prosperity? Lift thou upon us the light of thy countenance, O Yahweh.
Thou hast put gladness in my heart,—beyond the season when, their corn and their new wine, have increased.
In peace, will I lay me down and at once sleep; for, thou, Yahweh alone, wilt cause me, in security, to dwell.