Chapter Summary

David's exhortation to others to serve God.

Discussion Questions for Psalms, Chapter 4

1. What does David mean when he addresses God as "O God of my righteousness"? (ESV) Does this imply that righteousness comes from man or from God? Why?
2. In verse 1, one reason David prays to God is because God had answered his cries for help before. Think about the ways God has answered your own cries for help in the past. Does this make you more or less inclined to turn to him in the future? Why?
3. What does it look like to "love vain words and seek after lies"? (ESV) What has is looked like in your own life, and how did God reveal this sinful behavior to you?
4. What does it look like to be "set apart" for the Lord? (ESV) What assurance does this bring to believers?
5. What emotions or thoughts come to mind when you read "the LORD hears when I call to him"? (ESV) How does knowing God hears you impact the way that you pray? The way that you go about your day?
6. In verse 4, does David indicate that anger itself is sinful, or that some actions triggered by anger are sinful? Why is this distinction significant?
7. Look at verse 6. What is an incorrect response to discouraging circumstances? What is a correct response? Which do we trend towards, and why?
8. According to verse 7, where does true joy come from? How can this offer hope in seasons of little and seasons of plentiful alike?
9. David relates peace from God to an assurance that God is sovereign (v.8). Is it easy to choose peace in troubled times? How might we train our hearts to do so?
10. What does David mean in verse 8 when he states that the Lord makes him "dwell in safety"? (ESV) Is this a promise of physical protection in this life? If not, how is this still reassuring to believers?

Key Words/Phrase

Godliness, v. 3.

Characters

God, David.

Strong Verse(s)

5, 8.