Psalm 4

Psalm 4

Just like in the third Psalm, here we find David in distress yet again. He is experiencing fierce opposition from his enemies who taunt and deride him. David was no stranger to such opposition, to enemies who desired his death and the death of his people, the LORD’s people. And so here we meet David, not stressed, but peaceful, trusting fully in God.

Righteousness

It’s God’s righteousness David first appeals to, and he does so with a powerful confidence, “Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have given me relief when I was in distress. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!”

Here, righteousness isn’t limited conceptually to wisdom but also includes justice, vindication and rescue. (Isa 54:17, Jer 23:6). It recognizes God as author, witness, maintainer and rewarder. It’s rich with imagery of God who hears, judges, and acts. It implies perpetual presence and attention to every detail. David’s understanding of God isn’t confined but expanded, and multiplied by the testimony of God’s past mercies in the recognition that “You have given relief.” And so, with unwavering confidence, trusting in the author of righteousness, he throws himself humbly before the Father.

Justification and righteousness

I recently studied Romans and the concept that destroyed me was the idea of Justification as the righteousness of God In Romans 3:21-26. Paul’s understanding of righteousness is on par with David’s, and since he’s writing after the advent of Christ he extends its meaning. He claims justification by the blood of Christ, rather than keeping the rules of the Law, is the righteousness of God. In other words, his perfect justice, wisdom, rescue, vindication, and reward are all present in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Therefore, the righteousness of God, found only in Jesus Christ, is the foundation of salvation. Though the world considers it foolish, weak, and simply unnecessary, it is the foundation of true peace in this world and the next. And what a solid foundation.

Foolishness

After addressing God first, David turns his attention to men in verse 2. O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame? Most translations have a footnote here which renders this title men of rank. These were Davids enemies, the captains of the armies. How long will you love vein words and seek after lies? The idea of vanity may be substituted for vein words here, and David’s son Solomon gives us the perfect picture of vanity: striving after wind (Ecclesiastes 1:14).

Striving after wind: A confession

I’ll be honest, I get real scared when I look around. Even more when I look inward. There is so much stuff other than Jesus to worship. I am prone to worship food and drink, recreation, Apple gadgets, nice guitars, expensive cars, and basically all of the other stuff I can’t afford to buy. Granted, this comes from a heart that isn’t content, but that’s the exact thing we pedal in the first world. I’m a designer by day, and I wrestle with the fact that my vocation, and the entire advertising industry, exists to make you desire (worship) something you don’t yet have. Successful advertising reminds you of that desire, and increases the longing for it until you swipe your credit card and purchase it. The emptiness is the fact that in the end, you’ll just repeat the process with some other object. Where’s trusting Jesus in that? And that’s just one level. It’s gets uglier the deeper it goes.

Personal idols

This past season of life has revealed my many idols. As I said, I’m a designer by day, that means I don’t work for Mars Hill Church. But I deeply desire to. I volunteer a lot of hours because I love what Jesus is doing here. The idea that one of the most influential churches in the world is here in Seattle, and that I get to play a part of what Jesus is doing at Mars Hill Church is awesome. But my work turns sour when I stop meditating on what Jesus is doing, and stew in the fact that I’ve not yet been hired. Working for the church would simplify a lot of things for me. It would represent the convergence of vocation and passion, seemingly allowing me to devote my energy 100% to the work I love. But, the reality is, it’s not what God has provided. In His righteousness (remember vindication, justice, author, attention to every detail?), he has withheld. He hasn’t granted it. God who is good, and delights in his people, has not yet opened this door (pumping fist in air)!

Vanity is subtle

But how is desiring a staff position vanity? Isn’t desiring to devote oneself fully to the work of the gospel the opposite of idolatry? Yes (1 Tim 3:1). And no. No because Jesus should be the all consuming desire. I must confess that sometimes, sitting on the throne of my worship is an office door at Mars Hill Church with my name on it, it can consume me. And as a result, the work ceases to be a joy and turns bitter. That sucks.

And that’s the subtlety of the work of the enemy. Satan, who is your enemy, is a master at taking a good thing and turning it away from Christ, toward its own ends. This is how we worship vain things, how we desire empty lies, and why treasuring Jesus above everything else should be our top priority at all times. It’s why David reminds us we need to examine our hearts and allow God to reveal our idols, “ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent” (verse 4). It’s why we should stop making excuses for them, because they are pathetic. They don’t hear & see. They are no source of righteousness. (Psalm 115) They don’t grant the peace to sleep at night (verse 8). All they do is perpetuate the desire for more, which is perpetual idolatry. I get now why David says “Be angry and do not sin” because anger is what follows the realization that God is so good, and I’ve been duped into worshiping things completely inferior to Him.

Selah.