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Psalm 4:7 - The Greater Joy.

Psalm 4:7 - The Greater Joy.

Psalm 4:7 (NIV) You have filled my heart with greater joy than 
when their grain and new wine abound.  

Psalm 4:7 (NLT) You have given me greater joy than those who 
have abundant harvests of grain and new wine.  

   David wrote this psalm as he was about to retire for the 
night (v. 8). He could not do much about the war around him, but he 
could do something about the war within him. He did not want to lie in 
bed and worry, so he committed himself and his situation to the 
Lord. 
   He asked (1-3). Asking the Lord for help is still a good way 
to deal with inner turmoil (Phil. 4:6-7). 
   He believed (4-5). He faced his anger honestly and gave it to 
the Lord (Eph. 4:26). Instead of lying in bed and thinking about 
your problems, meditate on the Lord and offer Him sacrifices of 
praise. 
   He received (6-8). In the darkness, he saw the face of God 
and received light. In his sorrow, he discovered the gift of 
gladness. In the time of battle, he received peace. God did not 
immediately change the situation, but He did change David; He can do the 
same for you. [Chapter by Chapter Bible Commentary by Warren 
Wiersbe] 

   The defeatist looks at surrounding troubles, and despairs. 
David, however, looked up and found a source of joy in the knowledge 
that God's face was turned toward him. The image of God's face 
"shining on" a person means to look with favor; to look with the intent 
to do good. 
   So David found his good and his joy in God, not in an earthly 
abundance of "grain and new wine." 
   How much wiser David's course of seeking peace and joy in the 
Lord. Our fortunes on earth can change radically, as David's flight 
from Jerusalem shows. But God is unchanging. If we find our joy in 
the Lord, that joy will be with us always.  [The 365-Day Devotional 
Commentary re vv. 4-8] 

Two kinds of joy are contrasted here--inward joy that comes from 
knowing and trusting God and happiness that comes as a result of 
pleasant circumstances. Inward joy is steady as long as we trust God; 
happiness is unpredictable. Inward joy defeats discouragement; happiness 
covers it up. Inward joy is lasting; happiness is temporary. [Life 
Application SB] 

The joy of the Lord is the joy that springs up in our hearts 
because of our relationship to the Lord. It is a God-given gladness 
found when we are in communion with God. When our goal is to know more 
about the Lord, the byproduct is His joy. [Nelson SB re Neh. 8:10] 

The joy of the Lord is a supernatural thing, deeper and stronger 
and tougher and more resilient than any joy derived from mere 
circumstances. Those without it cannot understand it; we need to help them 
experience it for themselves. [Life Principles SB By Charles Stanley] 

   The September 11 hijackings and terrorist assaults were a 
shock and a tragedy for our nation. The magnitude of the attacks cut 
to the soul of Americans, bringing trauma and panic. The following 
summer, multiple children were abducted, some from their own homes ... 
their own bedrooms. It would seem that the safety of the people of our 
country has been under attack. In many people's lives, fear has taken 
the place of peace and safety. Moms, dads, grandparents, and youth 
wonder, How can I ever feel safe and secure again?  
   Just as the psalmist reminds us in these verses that true joy 
is not based on our having an "abundant harvest of grain or wine" 
because joy comes from the Lord, peace and safety come from him as well. 
When we allow fear to govern our lives, it not only paralyzes us and 
undermines our faith, it also robs us of many things, including a peaceful 
night's sleep. Just as joy comes from the Lord, peaceful sleep is a 
benefit and by-product of trusting in him.  
   Heavenly Father, wrap your arms around me and drive out any 
fear. When I'm afraid, help me to run to you. Thank you for keeping me 
safe and for providing me with the ability to lie down in peaceful 
sleep. Help me to always keep my mind focused on you - the source of my 
joy and peace. [Praying Through The Bible By Fuller re vv. 7, 8] 

Psalm 63:3 (NLT) Your unfailing love is better than life itself; 
how I praise you!  

1 Peter 1:8 (NIV) Though you have not seen him, you love him; 
and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are 
filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,  

HELPFUL LINKS:

How To Accept Jesus Into Your Life:

http://www.abible.com/salvation/

Growing In Christ Bible Studies:

http://www.liftingupjesus.net/