Psalm 4

Psa. 4:0 To the Chief Musician. With stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.
Psa. 4:1 Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness!
You have relieved me in my distress;
Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.
Psa. 4:2  How long, O you sons of men,
Will you turn my glory to shame?
How long will you love worthlessness
And seek falsehood?
Selah
Psa. 4:3  But know that the LORD has set apart for Himself him who is godly;
The LORD will hear when I call to Him.
Psa. 4:4  Be angry, and do not sin.
Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still.
Selah
Psa. 4:5  Offer the sacrifices of righteousness,
And put your trust in the LORD.
Psa. 4:6  There are many who say,
“Who will show us any good?”
LORD, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us.
Psa. 4:7  You have put gladness in my heart,
More than in the season that their grain and wine increased.
Psa. 4:8  I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;
For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

This is a wonderful reminder of the One who satisfies.  David was a remarkable king.  He had great trials, great battles and great failures.  David gave everything his all.  One thing that he was a master at was putting his trust in the Lord. 

David stated that the Lord relieved him in his distress; relieved there actually means to broaden.  Another way to say it is that he was pressed on all sides and the Lord opened things up for him.  David is stressed for a couple of reasons apparently.  First, men are trying to take the glory (honor, splendor) given to him and turn into shame. Envy and bitterness are a couple of reasons this happens.  (see James 3) Second, it appears that David is stressed over the fact that they love worthlessness and falsehood.  If you ever have been a leader it will stun you to watch men and women run after everything but Him and His kingdom.

David then makes a bold statement to his fellow man.  The LORD (The Covenant name of God) knows how to separate the godly for Himself and He will hear when he calls.  It looks like someone is angry but has entered into sin with it.  (Eph 4:26)  He teaches that first they need to offer up the sacrifices of righteousness; thanksgiving would be the best place to start.  Then they need to trust in the Lord. 

David concludes with their unrighteous challenge, “Who will show us any good?” His prayer continues, “LORD, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us.”

The Father has put gladness in the heart of the king that surpasses the gladness that comes from increasing in possessions.  He can lie down in peace and sleep in safety because it is the Lord that causes it.