Psalm 4

I am happier now, hungry, than I ever was while feasting.

Jun 19, 2025

*Christ in the Wilderness* by Ivan Kramskoi

Verse 1: To God

When I cry out, my God, will you hear me? You who have cloaked me with your own righteousness; you soother of my sorrows; you quieter of my dread of things real or imagined.

You have been to me as sleep after a fever.

Here I am again, in need of you. I certainly haven’t come to you because I think I have earned your glance of compassion. I come because I have known your mercy even in places of personal darkness.

Would you listen to the words I have treasured up for you? The words I speak now?

Verses 2-3: To the wicked

I have words for others too, Lord. The men of the world, the enemy. What prompts them to cut me down the moment I lift my head? What causes them to spit in the face of my newfound strength? Their hearts beat faster over trifles. They live for cheap entertainment. Their eyes scan the room for liars who will tell them what they want to hear.

But ah, these men do not belong to you, my God. You have chosen those who seek you, who love your goodness and look for your face always. That’s me.

I am sure of this. When I speak to you, even if I cry out in desperation suddenly, you will hear. You will listen.

Verses 4-5: To the listener

When fire kindles inside of you, when you feel the rising of dangerous emotion, do not let it burst out against the ones you love. Go to your room, lie down on your bed, and take your feelings into slow consideration. Be quiet first, when everything in you shouts.

Bind the necessary sacrifices to the altar, give freely that which must be given to God. In doing so, you are claiming Him as the one you trust. It is He who upholds you and no one else.

Verses 6-8: To God

Many doubt that good will ever come to us again. Misfortune has kept us under siege. Oh God, turn the brilliance of your beautiful face toward us. We must know that you have seen our difficulty.

My heart is full of delight because of you. Long ago, you planted a tree of gladness within me. I know it will bear fruit again soon. This happiness is different than the joy of material prosperity.

I am happier now, hungry, that I ever was while feasting.

You have ordered my soul. Everything within me is in its rightful place. I’m safe within the barricade of your strong arms. So safe that I can surrender all my defenses, close my eyes, and sleep.

Thanks for reading my first post! As you can see, I am not paraphrasing the Psalms in numerical order. Feel free to leave a comment with any thoughts or suggestions. Share and repost to support!