What is your initial response when you face trouble? Perhaps it’s an automatic response of two words, the first one is “Oh” and I’ll let you fill in the other word. Maybe your response is “Why me?” It  can be frustrating when you’re trying to do what’s right and you encounter trouble. Job was correct when he said,

For man is born for trouble, as sparks fly upward. (Job 5:7)

Our natural response to troubling situations is frustration. King David in the Old Testament faced his share of troubles. David reveals his response to frustration in Psalm Four as he took his troubling situation to God in prayer.

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. (Psalm 4:1)

Prayer was often David’s first response rather than his last resort. David reveals some of the causes of his troubles in the following verses. We see that he was grieved because of the people’s divided hearts,

O sons of men, how long will my honor become a reproach?
How long will you love what is worthless and aim at deception? Selah.

But know that the Lord has set apart the godly man for Himself;
The Lord hears when I call to Him. (Psalm 4:2-3)

Rather than following God, the people David is describing loved worthless pursuits. David was also troubled by their hard hearts. He enjoined them not to sin but rather to reflect upon God,

Tremble, and do not sin;
Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.

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 4:4-6)

David then revealed a testimony of God’s faithfulness in his life. We see that a clear conscience can make for a soft pillow,

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)

David was able to rest in the midst of difficult circumstances because his confidence was in God. He looked to God and God alone for his peace and security. Where do you look in times of trouble? Søren Kierkegaard reminds us that “purity of heart Is to will one thing”.   When you make God your first response rather than your last resort you, like David, will be able to dwell in safety.