¹ Answer me when I call to you,
    my righteous God.
Give me relief from my distress;
    have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

² How long will you people turn my glory into shame?
    How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?
³ Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself;
    the Lord hears when I call to him.

⁴ Tremble and do not sin;
    when you are on your beds,
    search your hearts and be silent.
⁵ Offer the sacrifices of the righteous
    and trust in the Lord.

⁶ Many, Lord, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?”
    Let the light of your face shine on us.
⁷ Fill my heart with joy
    when their grain and new wine abound.

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

Vs 1: We have a God who hears us in our distress. All we need to do is call out to him.

Vs 2: The false gods that the Israelites followed were obviously idols. Our idols are more hidden: comfort, wealth, ease of life, entertainment. But they’re still idols.

Vs 3: I wonder if the faithful servant through whom I can call to God is his son Jesus?

Vs 4-5: God knows our hearts. He knows our sins. Only he can offer us forgiveness from them. Only he can help us put sin to death. God wants our hearts first and foremost – to sacrifice and to trust.

Vs 6-7: True prosperity is found not in wealth or wine or an abundant harvest. It is found in the light of God’s face shining on us. Right relationship with God is greater than anything in the world.

Vs 8: When you are right with God, there is no fear left – you can rest now and can await the rest that awaits you in the world to come.

What will you do differently today as a result of this Psalm?
What will you pray as a result of this Psalm?