Turn Your Eyes Upon Yahweh

My father-in-law was a farmer. My wife remembers how, at lunchtime, her dad would turn on the radio to hear the current price of grain along with the weather report. While farmers work hard and use a storehouse of wisdom and skill to grow their crops, they also depend on forces outside their control like weather patterns and market prices.

In Psalm 4, David was in a difficult spot. He begged God to “have mercy on me and hear my prayer” (v. 1). The situation seems to be that there was a threat of a bad harvest. In this situation, many in ancient Israel were tempted to worship other gods. The Canaanites believed that Baal, the storm god, was the one to look to for help with crops. Many in Israel were tempted to go along with them.

David laments, “How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?” (v. 2). False gods may promise a lot, but they cannot deliver. David affirms that Yahweh, the God of Israel, will hear when His children cry out to Him (v. 3). Instead of looking to other gods, the people should turn their eyes to the Lord (vv. 4–5). God’s presence among His people is even more important than abundant crops (v. 6). Even if the crops of idolators seem to flourish, David proclaims to God, “You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound” (v. 7 esv).

When life seems precarious, it can be tempting to take our eyes off the Lord and look for other sources of safety and security. We may not worship Baal like Israel was tempted to do, but we have our own gods. David reminds us that the true source of peace is found in the Lord alone (v. 8). As Jesus reminded us, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matt. 6:33).

Go Deeper

Do you find yourself tempted to take your eyes off the Lord when confronted by the needs around you? How does David try to turn Israel back to God in this psalm? How can that be a model for us?

Pray with Us

Lord Jesus, help us never take our eyes off You. Like Peter walking on water, we tend to be distracted by the waves. But when we turn our eyes to You, Jesus, we find comfort and hope and peace. Keep us focused on You alone. Amen.