– Psalm
4 –
antiphon v. 7, “You have filled my heart
with greater joy than when the grain and new wine abound.” The hard work
put into spring planning and summer growth pays off in the fall at harvest. Who
isn’t overjoyed at a bumper crop? Yet the Psalmist reminds us greater joy is
found is in knowing the Lord who has filled the heart. In Biblical language the
heart is the center of the human spirit, from which spring emotions, thought,
motivations, courage and action, -“the
wellspring of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)
Psalm 4 is an excellent prayer when facing conflict. The psalmist calls on God to hear his prayer. He affirms that God has helped him before, and humbly asks him to extend him the grace to hear him again. Having asked God to attend his prayer, the psalmist has turned, so to speak, to voice his accusation with God standing by him, attending and acting as a witness to his complaint.
The message in psalm 4 is that the victories of sinners are only temporary and meaningless. Only repentance can bring true happiness. It is a request to God for deliverance from past distresses and sufferings. In every circumstance we take our needs, burdens, joys and sorrows to the throne room of grace; being thankful as the Savior answers each petition.[1]
Collect for Psalm 4: LORD, you consoled your Son in his anguish and released him from the darkness of the grave. Turn your face toward us, that we may sleep in your peace and rise in your light; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.[2] - 13 April 2021
[1] From the Vision Statement of Zion Friedheim Lutheran Church
[2] Collect for Psalm 4, For All the Saints, A Prayer book for and by the Church, © 1995 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY
The 1877 painting “The road to Emmaus,” Robert Zünd 1826-1909 [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
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