Psalm 4 Continued…
The next three themes in Psalm 4 are this. By trusting in the Lord, David…
2) Confessed his inner peace. 3) Confessed his inner joy, and 4) holds out hope for his oppressors. Keep in mind the context. Absalom, his son, has garnered the support and following of many. Many became convinced by his eloquence that Absalom would indeed make a better king than David currently was. So, in verse 2 of Psalm 4, David addresses his opponents:
Psalms 4:2
How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?
These would seem to be the nobles who have joined in Absalom’s rebellion. In verse 4, David calls them to search their hearts…
Psalms 4:4
In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.
They never answer the questions in verse 2, as expected, but they do speak in verse 6:
Psalms 4:6
Many are asking, “Who can show us any good?”
I find it compelling that we hear two voices in this Psalm. The voice of David, who has every right (and reason, frankly) to be angered by his opponents and also the voice of the rebellious. The pronouns switch in verse 6 from the “You” of the rebellious to the “Us” (in which David includes himself). He is asking God to help not only himself, but also for God to shine on his opponents as well.
Remember, not only was Absalom someone who rebelled, he was David’s flesh and blood as well. He loved him deeply. And many of those who went with Absalom in his rebellion are people that served David for many years. These were people he cared for and knew. Yes, there was deep hurt. But there was also still love and concern that existed in David’s heart for the welfare of the very people attempting to do him harm. Jesus told us to pray for our enemies. It is one of the hardest things he asks of us, I believe. Especially when those who have become your enemy are people you dearly loved.
PRAY
Father, help us to continue to have concern for others even when we are angered and hurt by them. Help us to pray for those who have wronged us.