But you have given my heart more joy than they have when grain and wine abound. Psalms 4:8 NABRE
This is a psalm in which David seems to be trying to allude those out to capture him, particularly Absalom. The previous psalm David calls to God for salvation as he tried to flee from Absalom. In this psalm David addresses his enemies, lecturing them to improve their morals and ethics. The psalm opens calling to God that the psalmist will have his prayer answered, calling to God he says when I have trouble God helps, take pity and hear this prayer. Then David addresses those chasing him, how long will they not fear God and have hard hearts? The Lord would work wonders if they turn to the Lord, He will hear David when he calls for help. In verse 5 he tells those enemies that they should reflect in their heart, that what they are trying to do is evil, it is sin that should make the people tremble. Paul refers to this verse later in his letter to the Ephesians, “Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun set on your anger, and do not leave room for the devil.” (4:26-27) The psalm continues indicating it is better to offer sacrifices to the Lord and trust in Him. Again it is the heart that matters, a change of heart is what the Lord desires, this change will be noticed by God and justice will be applied.
The psalm climaxes with joy, peace, and a sense of security that God gives a person who relies fully on Him and seeks Him when things are difficult. When there is external affliction God responds by providing inner peace. We see this particularly in the quoted verse, God has given David more joy than all the grain and wine in the world. So pleasing is God’s response that we see David saying He can lay down in peace and fall asleep for only God can make him secure.
Do you rely on God? Are there things that give you doubt?
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