Psalm 4: Answer me when I call
Jeff Lowe: lead vocal, guitars, piano, keys, bass
Nick Harvey: saxophone
Hannah Johnston, backing vocal
Answer me when I call, answer me when I call,
O my righteous God.
Give me relief from my distress;
Be merciful to me, and hear my prayer.
How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame?
How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?
How long will you love delusions
How long will you love delusions
How long will you love delusions
And seek false gods?
Know that the LORD has set apart
The godly for himself.
Know that the LORD has set apart
The godly for himself.
The LORD will hear when I call to him.
In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds,
Search your hearts and be silent, trust in the Lord instead.
Search your hearts and be silent,
Search your hearts and be silent,
Search your hearts and be silent.
Offer right sacrifices, trust in the LORD.
Many are asking, "Who can show us any good?"
Let the light of your face
Shine upon us, LORD.
For you have filled my heart with greater joy,
Than when the finest grain and finest wines abound.
You’ve filled my heart with greater joy,
Than when new wines abound;
Than when new wines abound.
I will lie down and sleep in peace, For you O LORD,
Make me dwell in safety,
Make me dwell in safety.
For You have filled my heart with greater joy,
Than when the finest grain and finest wines abound.
You’ve filled my heart with greater joy,
Than when new wines abound.
Than when new wines abound.
I will lie down and sleep in peace.
I will lie down and sleep in peace.
Sleep in peace.
Listen on Spotify, Amazon or Apple Music
Comments
It’s been said more than once that a cry of desperation is one of the most commonly uttered prayers. “God help me” comes to our lips even when we have little or no knowledge of whom we address. In David’s case, though, this call for an immediate and effective answer to his plea was imbued with the confidence that God loves him and answers his prayers. And this is how it is for Christians. They are confident because God’s own righteousness has been credited to their account.
Then David turns his thoughts to the turbulent, jostling throng of men who give no thoughts to God and his honour and glory, but are absorbed in their delusions, seeking gods of their own invention. Through Jesus we have been set apart from them. Because of Jesus the great creator God listens and heeds our prayer when we call to him. As we lie on our beds we will commune with our own hearts and rather than being angry with others, we are to remain silent, sorry for the thoughts or actions of selfishness that can still cling to us, but still able to offer a sacrifice of praise, leaning again on God’s everlasting arms. No doubt there will be some who sneer or laugh at our determination to praise God, as they enjoy the pleasures of food and abundant wine. They simply don’t comprehend that the Lord has put peace and joy in our hearts – so much more than the fleeting pleasures of the world. So when we lie down to sleep such worries will not trouble us.