Peace in Prayer (Psalm #4) - Bible Baptist Church

Text: Psalm 4

This psalm begins in distress and ends in a good night sleep.

Peace because you’re growing up (vs 1)

Enlarged me when I was in distress is a fancy way of saying I grew up when I was under pressure. Look how big you are! Something we say to kids we haven’t seen in a long time.
Running to the Lord is part of growing up
You know why God allows you and me to be uncomfortable? Because you and I won’t allow it. But the only way to grow is to be uncomfortable.

How long…how long…
Accusation and failure in verse 2.
Constantly bombarded with my failures.
When I can’t see any light at the end of the tunnel, I know I can talk to God.
And I know the enemy may not have any plans to give up, but with my God it makes no difference what the enemy’s plans are.

As a parent, you know your child’s voice.
This should help you in times of doubt and trouble. Not just a saved soul, but a godly soul. Your job is to be the godly soul that God can set apart for His purpose.

If you’re a child of God, the Lord wants to hear from you. More than that, he has set you apart so you have special access to the throne of grace.
God as a father seen in the opportunity of prayer. Sometimes we pray with the same expectation as someone scratching off lotto numbers. “Well, I hope this works, but it probably won’t.”
- God pays attention like a loving father pays attention – Luke 11:2 Our father…
- The simplicity of prayer the devil convinces us that prayer is not worth it.
- Prayer is asking.
- Ye have not because you ask not.

You’ll get in trouble privately before you ever get in trouble publicly. The car was left broke down on the side the road after a series of internal problems that weren’t visible.
There’s no need to panic
Be careful for nothing…
Trouble gets our eyes off Jesus Christ. Keep focussed on him.
The temptation is to run to that old familiar sin that calms you down. That relaxes you.
stand in awe – Think about all the benefits and blessings of God. Get your mind on God and the things of God.
You need to do different things, godly things when you’re under pressure. Find a different “escape” that puts the Lord Jesus Christ in focus.

The people’s perspective was wrong. Who cares for us right now? Where is God in this? He needs God’s perspective.
Lord, let me see you in this and let them see you in this. All I need is to see you in this and then I’ll be OK.
I think about the disciples and how much time the Lord Jesus Christ spent dealing with their expectations and perspective on their time here and now.
I think about Paul and his letters and how much time he spends speaking to the churches about our perspective and expectations in this life.
Look for the Lord in it.
As a New Testament Christian, born again, new creature in Christ you have the benefit of knowing Romans 8:28 and really all of Romans 8, that not only do bad things happen, but God works in those things to improve you.

This joy is not circumstantial or seasonal.
Rejoice in the Lord alway and again I say rejoice
In my time of trouble I’ve experienced greater joy than when things were all going right.
Sweet fellowship with the Lord that only comes in distressing times where He gives you a peace that passes all understanding.
It isn’t circumstantial peace – more gladness than when the corn and wine increased – I’ve got peace from you. In fact, in this situation, I’ve got more joy than had

Philippians 4:6-7
The situation hasn’t changed, but his view of things has.
Not only don’t worry, but rest in the Lord. I’ve done what I can, and as for the rest of it I’m taking my hands off.
You can’t add anything to your life by fretting.
Get the rest you need because if you’re doing what God wants you to be doing, then you’ll be protected as long as God wants you protected.