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I oftentimes find it fascinating when I discover that parts of Scripture played vital roles in transforming the lives of influential men and women. For instance, the father of the reformation, Martin Luther, was radically changed by the book of Romans, especially chapter 4, the chapter on justification by faith alone. It moved him so much that he broke away from the Catholic Church. It moved him to lead people to the truth of knowing salvation is offered by the grace of God and accepted by faith in Jesus Christ alone.
Another one of my heroes of faith is Augustine who lived in North Africa during the 4th century. In his famous writing titled Confessions, he states that when he read the words of Psalm 4 he considered them to be the cry of his own heart in the presence of God. The words filled him with fear, for he thought he had done precisely what they condemned. Psalm 4 transformed his life.
“Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; Be gracious to me and hear my prayer. O sons of men, how long will my honor become a reproach? How long will you love what is worthless and aim at deception? But know that the Lord has set apart the godly man for Himself; The Lord hears when I call to Him.” – Psalm 4:1-3
Augustine was moved to repentance and hope, however, by the words, “Tremble, and do not sin” (vs. 4) because he had come to regard his past with trembling and anticipated a future without sin.
“Tremble, and do not sin; Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still.” – Psalm 4:4
Verses 5 and 6 taught him that those who seek joy in external things “nibble at empty shadows” (Confessions) and starve their minds of the truth.
“Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and trust in the Lord. Many are saying, ‘Who will show us any good?’ Lift up the light of Your countenance upon us, O Lord!” – Psalm 4:5-6
When Augustine came to the final verse he says that he cried out in the confident anticipation of the resurrection that it conveyed.
“You have put gladness in my heart, More than when their grain and new wine abound. In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You alone, O Lord, make me to dwell in safety.” – Psalm 4:7-8
Scripture should have that effect on all of us! It should convict us of sin, move us closer to the cross, and motivate us to be more like Christ. It should transform our lives. That’s why it is vitally important to immerse ourselves in it on a daily basis. For when we do we will be able to repeat the words of King David:
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.” – Psalm 19:14
Questions to Ponder:
1. What is your favorite Psalm? Why? What is it about that Psalm that moves you?
2. What is the genre of Psalms? Who is the audience for which Psalms was written? Why?
3. In what ways is Psalm 4 tied to the New Testament? What was the purpose of David writing it?
Other articles related to Psalms:
Praise the Lord! (Hallel Psalms)
What’s in a Name?
Dealing with Depression
Suggested reading to learn more about Augustine:
Book Review: Augustine for Armchair Theologians
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