You Have Filled My Heart Psalm 4 02/11/2018 Dr. Dane Boyles

Scripture Reading 1 Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God” 2 How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods? (Psalm 4:1-2, NIV)

3 Know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD will hear when I call to him. 4 In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. (Psalm 4:3-4, NIV)

5 Offer right sacrifices and trust in the LORD. 6 Many are asking, “Who can show us any good?” Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD. (Psalm 4:5-6, NIV)

7 You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. 8 I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. (Psalm 4:7-8, NIV)

As God’s people, our expectations are sometimes TOO low. The most we expect to receive from God is courage. We need God’s help!

In the midst of a serious ordeal, David goes so far as to be thankful to God: 7 You have filled my heart with greater joy (Psalm 4:7, NIV).

DAVID’S PRAYER David calls upon God to maintain the justice of his cause. 1 Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God” (Psalm 4:1).

6 God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you 7 and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. (2 Thess 1:6-7a, NIV)

David calls upon God for help, knowing that God has helped him in the past. 1 You have relieved me when I was in distress (Psalm 4:1b) 1 Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer. (Psalm 4:1b)

DAVID’S CONFIDENCE An appeal to David’s enemies. 2 How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods? (Ps 4:2, NIV)

Two things David is sure of: 3 Know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; (Psalm 4:3, NIV)

19 Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.” (2 Tim 2:19, NIV) 2. 3 …the LORD will hear when I call to him. (Psalm 4:3, NIV)

ADVICE TO ADVERSARIES He warns his adversaries not to be carried away by strong emotions. 4 In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. (Psalm 4:4, NIV) 26 In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, (Ephesians 4:26, NIV)

4 when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent 4 when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. (Psalm 4:4, NIV) 4 Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. (Psalm 4:4, ASV)

The key to confidence. 5 Offer right sacrifices and trust in the LORD. (Psalm 4:5, NIV) 5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness (Psalm 4:5, ASV). 8 I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing. (1 Tim 2:8, NIV)

1 Guard your steps when you go to the house of God 1 Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong. 2 Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. (Eccl 5:1-2, NIV)

CONCLUDING PRAYER This is a prayer for God to disprove the pessimists. 6 Many are asking, “Who can show us any good?” (Psalm 4:6, NIV)

14 “You have said, ‘It is futile to serve God 14 “You have said, ‘It is futile to serve God. What did we gain by carrying out his requirements and going about like mourners before the LORD Almighty? (Mal 3:14, NIV) 6 Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD. (Psalm 4:6, NIV)

24 “The LORD bless you and keep you; 25 the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; 26 the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.” ’ (Num 6:24-26, NIV)

A prayer of thanksgiving for the safety God provides. 7 You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. 8 I will lie down and sleep in peace, (Psalm 4:7-8, NIV)

12 That is why I am suffering as I am 12 That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. (2 Tim 1:12, NIV) 8 for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. (Psalm 4:8, NIV)

Conclusion If Psalm 3 is a “morning Psalm,” Psalm 4 is an “evening Psalm.” It teaches us how, at the end of the day, we can rest in the confidence that God is God and all is well. You have filled my heart!

You Have Filled My Heart Psalm 4 02/11/2018 Dr. Dane Boyles