Be not Discouraged by Revilers of Your Faith

Psalms 4:1-8

[1](To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm of David.) Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: you have enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.

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

[3]But know that the LORD has 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 own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.

[5]Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.

[6]There be many that say, Who will show us any good? LORD, lift you up the light of your countenance upon us.

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

[8]I will both lay down in peace, and sleep: for, LORD, only You makes me dwell in safety.

The Psalm is basically about keeping our eyes on God in times of distress even when other people deride our trust and choose other ungodly means to make their situation better.

The chapter begins by a great plea to God for relief in distress. It then speaks to people who have ridiculed the writer's trust in God and have themselves trusted in delusions. The psalmist then assures all (the revilers and the faithful)  that the Lord always hears the faithful and urges all of them to live righteous lives. However, the psalmist continues with his plea to God for relief and prosperity since many have become hopeless of them (the faithful) ever been helped. The psalmist then makes a final plea to God for Joy even when those who mock the faithfuls' trust thrive in many ways more than the faithfuls.  The writer finally resolves to worry not because everything good comes from God in their life.

Verse 7 stands out for me - Fill my heart with joy when their grain and new wine abound.

The writer asks God for Joy even when those who mock his trust in God continue to prosper. That shocks me!!! He doesn't sit down and lament why God has forgotten Him. He doesn't now claim the prosperity of others over his life but re-establishes his trust in Lord and asks for Joy during his distress because He is convinced the Lord is faithful and will eventually offer relief to his distress....

In asking for joy, he resolves to remain faithful in doing good and not going to shortcuts in trying to improve his situation.

It is a great challenge not to be discouraged by the success of those who have not put their trust in God. In distress we should keep our eyes focused on the Lord for He hears and is faithful  to offer relief and prosperity through our distresses.

Blessings!