Psalm 4

 Psalm 4 ^a

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David.

1Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God.

Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

2How long will you people turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods 

3Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him.

4Tremble and  do not sin; when you are on your beds,

search your hearts and be silent.  5Offer the sacrifices of the righteous and trust in the Lord.

6Many, Lord, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?” Let the light of your face shine on us.

7Fill my heart with joy when their grain and new wine abound. 

8In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.

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Thoughts: Here is a person beaten down for his faith.  Some are mocking him secretly or openly.  They are turning his glory (belief in God) into shame.  
his advice in this circumstance is to be silent and trust in the Lord.  
Here he also indicates that sometimes those who don't believe are blessed more physically (or financially) than those who do believe.  Yet, for the believer, there can be "joy" even when we are not blessed physically or financially.  That is good news.  Our joy does not depend solely on everything going well in life.  Why that is important is not everything will go well.  The strongest among us will get sick; the wealthiest will have to leave it all behind.  I think of Steve Jobs who made a huge impression on life and technology with the iphone and Mac computers.  Yet, though he had all the fame and money he regretted spending more time with family (to love and be loved).  
God is the One who not only brings joy but also brings peace- enabling us to lie down and sleep.  Inadequate sleep (according to NIH studies) affects obesity, type 2 diabets, cardiovascular conditions, mood disorders, blood pressure and more.  In the United States, though we are one of the richest nations in history, 30-40% of adults report not geting enough sleep.  God helps us live- leave it in His hands at night, and to face trouble with joy and peace.  

Prayer: Lord, help me to be an instrument of your peace- passing your peace and good news to others.