From Distress to Gladness

Scripture: Psalm 4

Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me and hear my prayer.

² O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? How long will you love vanity and seek after leasing? Selah.

³ But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the Lord will hear when I call unto him.

⁴ Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your heart upon your bed and be still. Selah.

⁵ Offer the sacrifices of righteousness and put your trust in the Lord.

6 Many say, who will shew us any good? Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.

7. You have put gladness in my heart more than in the time their corn and wine increased.

⁸ I will lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makes me dwell in safety.

“When you control a man’s thinking, you do not have to worry about his actions.”  -Carter G. Woodson.

As we step into 2025, this profound quote by Carter G. Woodson reminds us of the power of aligning our minds and hearts with the right focus. 

Psalm 4 provides the perfect lens to see how God desires to shape our thoughts, prayers, and actions in a world filled with challenges and distractions. 

The writer gets us to do 3 things in this text;

1.     Seek God

2.     Trust God

3.     Rejoice in God

Seeking God’s Righteousness (v. 1-2)

David first teaches us to seek God in verses 1-2. David prays, crying out, "Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness." This verse reveals an intense desire for God to intervene in distress. The start of a new year often brings reflection on unmet goals or struggles. 

In these moments, like David, we must turn to the God who enlarges us even in our most challenging seasons. 

I’m reminded of the New Testament scripture from the Gospel of Luke 6:33. Seek first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness, and all things shall be added. Amid his distress, David cried out to God of his righteousness to hear his prayer and have mercy on him. 

Let’s keep it real: you and I will experience moments of distress when life happens. The best way to get through those times is to let go and let God.

In the Gospel of Matthew 11:28, Jesus said, “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

To rest in Christ is to receive His peace.

An Old Testament Parallel is Isaiah 26:3, in which the Lord promises those who keep the faith: "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you."

 Challenge: Trusting Amid Uncertainty (v. 5-6)

David challenges his readers to "Offer the sacrifices of righteousness and put your trust in the Lord." Sacrifice often requires releasing control, something we instinctively resist. This verse reminds us that faith is not about immediate results but consistent trust.

In 2025, as uncertainties loom, will you place your trust in the light of God's countenance? The world may question, "Who will show us any good?" but God's children know He is our source of light and hope.

In Proverbs 3:5- 6, King Solomon writes, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." When you and I trust God, we activate our faith according to Hebrews 11:1. Which defines faith as "confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."

Here is a challenge: In moments of doubt, surrender your plans to God's perfect timing.

Rejoicing in God’s Gladness (v. 7-8)

Our last point comes at the end of this psalm with a remarkable declaration: "Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased." This joy is not circumstantial but rooted in the assurance of God's presence.

Remember that God’s gladness surpasses any material increase as we make resolutions. His peace allows us to rest, even when the world seems unstable.  Philippians 4:7 speaks of a peace "which transcends all understanding."

Nehemiah 8:10 declares, "The joy of the Lord is your strength." What practices can you incorporate this year to cultivate joy in God's promises?

My Conclusion is a Call to Action:

As you journey through 2025, let Psalm 4 remind you of three core truths:

• Desire God's righteousness in every area of your life.
• Embrace the challenge of trusting Him, even when it's not easy.
• Pursue the joy and gladness that only He can provide.

Take time this week to reflect on Psalm 4:8, "I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makes me dwell in safety." Start each day with gratitude for His protection and each night with confidence in His care.

Action Step: Write down one area where you need God’s intervention and commit it to prayer daily this week. Meditate on Psalm 4, and let its truths shape your thoughts and actions as you enter the new year with hope and peace.

 

2 Bro's Fishing Mattew 4:18-21