READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l King David wrote Psalm 4 while he was in one of his deepest emotional valleys. He was experiencing deep anguish at his son Absalom’s betrayal and was hiding in desperation and fear for his own life.
Psalm 4 reveals to us David’s true source of joy.
- Joy in the Midst of the Valley
Discipleship lesson – Looking at challenges through lens of faith
Amidst his trial, King David found ‘more joy’ (Ps 7:4 ESV). This joy did not come from receiving relief from his situation. Rather it was anchored in the knowledge and experience of the unchanging nature of God. David was able to rest in the security and assurance of God’s righteous and faithful nature.
True joy is a deep, lasting sense of peace and contentment that comes from knowing and being in relationship with God.
- Vanity of Seeking Joy in the World
Discipleship lesson – Refusing to make work our god
David laments that the Israelites ‘love delusions and seek false gods’ Ps 7:2. In Hebrew, the word vanity is ‘hevel’, which also means vapour or mist – fleeting. Chasing after such things is ‘utterly meaningless’ (Ecc 1:2)!
In today’s context for many of us, this would mean chasing after achievements and recognition at work. Refusing to make work our god means giving a spirit of excellence in our work for God’s glory instead of our own glory. We do this by honouring Christ in our work and reflecting His nature and character. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters” (Col 3: 23).
Reorienting our focus towards working for God frees us from the anxiety of performance and comparison, releasing us to work with joy.
- Consecrated for joy
Discipleship lesson – Examining our hearts to live a life set apart for God
Being consecrated for joy requires us to adopt:
i. A posture of repentance (Ps 4:4) – In repentance, we choose to tremble before a holy God and turn away from sin.
ii. An attitude of reverence (Ps 4:4) – In reverence, we choose to do God’s will rather than our own.
iii. Trust in the Lord (Ps 4:4) – In trusting God, we sacrifice our own desires to do what pleases Him and delight in His righteousness.
God wants us to have true joy that is not dictated by our circumstance but anchored in Him.
“David’s joy is undiminished, even in the cave, because his joy is not horizontal; his joy is vertical… the source of his joy is his Lord, not his situation.” (Paul Tripp)
(Sermon notes by Stella Chiam)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Let’s recall, reflect, consider and commit!
- Recall a time when you faced challenges or stress in the workplace. How did you respond, and in what ways could you have sought joy from God’s presence rather than external circumstances?
- Reflect on areas of your life where you may be seeking joy through worldly pursuits, such as success or approval. How does Psalm 4 challenge you to find your true joy in God alone?
- Consider how being “set apart” or consecrated by God for joy changes your perspective on your daily work. In what specific ways can you live out your faith more intentionally in your workplace?
- Commit to one practical step you can take this week to embody intentional discipleship at work—whether through acts of service, prayer, or sharing your joy in Christ with a coworker. What will that look like for you?
