Psalm 4:1-8

For the choir director; on stringed instruments.
A Psalm of David.

Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!
Thou hast relieved me in my distress;
Be gracious to me and hear my prayer.

[2] 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.

[3] But know that the Lord has set apart the godly man for Himself;
The Lord hears when I call to Him.

[4] Tremble, and do not sin;
Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still.

Selah.

[5] Offer the sacrifices of righteousness,
And trust in the Lord.

[6] Many are saying, "Who will show us any good?"
Lift up the light of Thy countenance upon us, O Lord!

[7] Thou hast put gladness in my heart,
More than when their grain and new wine abound.

[8] In peace I will both lie down and sleep,
For Thou alone, O Lord, dost make me to dwell in safety.


Psalm 4 - Psalm 4:1-8

Open It

* 1. If you were to write a poem about your relationship with God, what would you focus on?
2. What attributes of God’s have you thought about most in your life?

Explore It

3. How is the Lord described in this passage? (4:1)
4. From what did David need to be saved? (4:1)
5. What motivated David to write this psalm? (4:1-8)
* 6. What is the theme of this psalm? (4:1-8)
7. Why does David rebuke others in this poem? (4:2-3)
8. What assurance does this psalm offer? (4:3)
9. What weakness can draw people away from the Lord? (4:4)
* 10. What advice does David give to those who want to remain righteous? (4:4-5)
* 11. How did David’s relationship with the Lord affect his attitude? (4:7)
12. How did David describe his joy? (4:7)
13. How did David demonstrate his trust in the Lord? (4:8)
14. Where did David get his sense of security? (4:8)

Get It

15. How would you describe your relationship with the Lord at this time in your life?
16. How does your relationship with God affect your attitude?
* 17. What weakness or temptation threatens to draw you away from the Lord?
18. How does God want us to handle temptations?
* 19. What do you think you could do to strengthen your relationship with God?
20. What steps can we take to help each other overcome our weaknesses?
21. What does this psalm teach us about how to become righteous?
22. What is one way you can show your trust in the Lord?
23. What promise in this poem would you like to claim for yourself?

Apply It

* 24. What small steps could you take in the next week to strengthen your relationship with God?
25. What concrete action can you take to guard against a temptation in one area of weakness?
26. How can you encourage a friend in his or her relationship with God?


AFFIRMATIONS

TODAY I AM:

Finding relief from God in time of distress

Receiving God’s grace

Set apart for God’s glory

Heard by God.

Meditating in my heart.

Offering the sacrifices of righteousness and trust in the Lord.

With gladness in my heart.

Dwelling in God’s safety/