Sometimes, when we are going through suffering, we find ourselves wondering if the Lord has really heard our calls for help, especially when they seem to bring no relief. When a friend betrays us, our singleness seems unbearable, marriage is challenging, parenting is stressful, ministry is difficult, or our workplace seems intolerable, we often call out to God and expect Him to fix it. Furthermore, we often assume He will answer the way we would answer another’s cry for help—by giving the person what they ask for. But God’s ways and wisdom seldom line up with our ways and wisdom. And we should be thankful for that. What you and I must understand, though, is that the Lord really does hear us when we call to Him. Psalm 4 reminds us of this important truth, which will serve us well in the midst of suffering.
The Lord Does Hear
In Psalm 4 David is in deep distress. Significantly, instead of defending himself or taking vengeance, he turns to the Lord, “Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness…Be gracious to me and hear my prayer! (v. 1). He knows God will make all things right. He also knows God will make him alright in the midst of searing circumstances. This is especially true because God has done it before, “You have given me relief when I was in distress” (v. 1).
Likewise, believers can be sure that God hears us when we call to Him. He will be gracious to us because we are united to Christ by faith. Even so, we often find it hard to cry out to God. What prayer are you hesitant to utter today? Are you tempted to remain silent because you think there’s no more grace for a sinner like you? Do you feel forsaken in your suffering, so you no longer cry out to God? Perhaps you’re relying on your own strength in serving others, so you haven’t even thought to pray. Follow David’s example. Call out to God! He really does hear you.
The Lord Deserves Honor
God had promised David a position as king, a place in Jerusalem, peace from his enemies, and progeny that would reign on an eternal throne (see 2 Sam. 7). Not surprisingly, his enemies threatened to turn his “honor…into shame” with “vain words” and “lies” (Ps. 4:2). David responds to them with imperatives rooted in right thinking. First, he commands his enemies to “know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself” (v. 3). Since God chose David, his enemies cannot separate him from God. Second, in their anger they are not to sin (v. 4). Third, they should ponder their ways, recognize their sin, and be silent before the righteous God (v. 4). Fourth, they should “offer right sacrifices” (v. 5). Finally, they should “trust in the LORD” (v. 5). Think of it! David, instead of wallowing in anger and bitterness, witnesses to his enemies, urging them to turn to the Lord and trust in Him.
Like David, we face enemies each day—the devil, the world, and our own flesh. There will be friends, neighbors, coworkers, or strangers who ridicule us for our faith, or make life difficult for us. But we are called to stand firm in the Lord and witness to them. In the midst of distress we can be certain that the Lord hears us when we call to Him. It’s not just our enemies who need to be called to examine their hearts. We too are called to not sin when we experience righteous anger (see Eph. 4:26). We are also called to humbly offer ourselves as a living sacrifice to God (Rom. 12:1-2). And we must put our trust in the Lord, knowing that His plans are for His glory and our good.
The Lord Delights Hearts
People long for someone to show them some good, but true goodness is found only in the Lord, who will “lift up the light of [His] face upon us” when we call upon His name (Ps. 4:6). Though David’s enemies doubted anyone would show him goodness and mercy, David knew differently. He had experienced God-given joy in his heart, a joy that far surpassed the blessings of this world (v. 7). In the midst of distress, David was able to delight in the joy, peace and safety of the Lord. He could “lie down and sleep” because he believed “you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety” (v. 8).
Jesus came so that all those who believe in Him as Savior and Lord can have joy, peace, and safety. When we abide in Jesus’s love, His joy will be in us, and our joy will be full (John 15:11). Unlike the world, Jesus gives us true peace (14:27). We are safe because Jesus is “the good shepherd” who “lays down his life for the sheep” (10:11). No matter the circumstances, our hearts can find true delight in Him.
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Have you found yourself wondering lately if God has really heard your call for help? Perhaps your situation seems to be getting worse, not better. You even wonder why you bother to pray. But consider what we learn in Psalm 4. The Lord really does hear us when we call to Him. The Lord deserves honor and praise in the midst of our suffering. And the Lord delights to fill our hearts with joy and peace as we dwell with Him in safety. Therefore, let us keep calling and believing that “the LORD hears when I call to him” (Ps. 4:3).
Sarah Ivill (ThM, Dallas Theological Seminary) is a Reformed author, wife, homeschooling mom, Bible study teacher, and conference speaker who lives in Matthews, North Carolina, and is a member of Christ Covenant Church (PCA). To learn more, please visit www.sarahivill.com.