Relief in Distress

Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!

You have relieved me in my distress;
Be gracious to me and hear my prayer.

O sons of men, how long will my honor become a reproach?

How long will you love what is worthless and aim at deception? Selah.

But know that the Lord has set apart the godly man for Himself;

The Lord hears when I call to Him.

Tremble, and do not sin;

Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
Offer the sacrifices of righteousness,

And trust in the Lord.

Many are saying, “Who will show us any good?”

Lift up the light of Your countenance upon us, O Lord!

You have put gladness in my heart,

More than when their grain and new wine abound.

In peace I will both lie down and sleep,

For You alone, O Lord, make me to dwell in safety.

Psalm 4:1-8

David, under severe discipline from God, went into exile from his own throne because of the rebellion of his son. These were days of human despair, but David never lost his trust in God, or his testimony to his enemies of God’s grace provision for him. Even under the burdens of family conflict; even in battle, David knew God heard his prayers. “It is God Who maintains my righteousness, Who makes room for me under His wing.” To Absalom’s supporters: “You hate me because I'm right? You love deception? You’re on the wrong side of this fight. Your rebellion will not benefit you.” God has sanctified His righteous ones. We are chastised, but not forsaken. He hears us!

David’s attitude in these psalms reminds me of Job, when he was under intense undeserved suffering, yet never blamed God or lost faith in the perfect righteousness and justice of God. Job was sick and utterly miserable and had lost everything to Satan’s oppression; but he was never disoriented to God’s grace (Job 1:20-22, Job 19:25-27). Well, David’s suffering in this case was not undeserved (2 Samuel 12:10-14), but he acknowledged his sin and maintained his trust in the Lord. He fully expected God’s graciousness to him and his men, and was joyous about that, through it all.

David knew that with God there are no accidents, everything has a reason. Every child of God has a purpose and destiny in God’s plan. The current adversities would not go on forever; God hears the prayers of his righteous ones, and comforts us in our distress. Knowing all this, David could actually find rest, for one reason. The same reason you and I can rest:

Psalm 4:8

King James Version (KJV)

I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.