Psalm 4: An Evening Prayer

At the end of the day, David is satisfied with the progress of his little band. God has been with him during the trying day, and He will abide with him during the night.

“It has been suggested that [Psalm] 5 also should be read together with [Psalm] 4, for [Psalm] 4 is a prayer appropriate to evening devotions and [Psalm] 5 is a petition appropriate to the period of morning worship.” No longer hemmed in by enemies, David has gained freedom of movement (Psalm 4:1). His condition is that of an exile having no dignity or riches, but his persecutors, who believe they have succeeded because they now have his riches and power, will find their success empty (v. 2). God has ordained David to a special work, and because of that blessing, men trying to undo His purposes will fail (v. 3).

“If the Christian is faithfully carrying out God’s plan for him, he may expect God to uphold him until he has completed the work that Heaven designs for him to do.” When all is still and silent, a Christian should consider his own plans and consult his better judgment (v. 4).

“The true child of God finds durable satisfaction, not in the material things and sensual delights of the world, but in the consciousness that he has heaven’s approval as he enjoys fellowship with God [vv. 6, 7]. . . . “. . . Confidence in God gives assurance of sleep. . . . This condition is the counterpart of the experience described in [Psalm] 3:5, in which the psalmist, in the morning, reflected that God had permitted him to sleep, although fearful enemies surrounded him; now, in the evening, he goes a step further and lies down serenely in the consciousness that, although he is still surrounded by his enemies, God will give him the gift of quiet and restful sleep.” “The Christian who shares the confidence of the psalmist need have no fear during either the slumbers of the night or the duties of the day.”