Psalm 4

1

Written for the director of music, to be played on string instruments, by David, I assume for use in congregational worship.

Answer me when I call to You, Supreme God who sees my cause is righteous! You have releaved my destress. Show me grace and listen to my prayer 

2

(This next verse is possibly written to Joab, Abishai, and others of David's own party, who had murdered and lied, bringing David's administration disgrace.)

Sirs, how long will you ruin my reputation with your shameful behavior? How long will you love shadows and live for lies? 

Selah 

3

Know that the I AM has separated the godly for Himself. I AM will listen to every one of my prayers. 

4

(You have a right to) Be angry, but don't sin. Think about it overnight, and pray about it, and calm down.

Selah 

5

Give morally correct sacrifices. Trust in the I AM (to take care of the situation).

6 

Many ask, "Who can see any good?" Shine the light of Your Face on us, O Great I AM!

7

You, I AM, have filled my heart with more joy than even an abundant harvest can bring.

The Message Bible says:

(6-8 ) Why is everyone hungry for more? “More, more,” they say. “More, more.” I have God’s more-than-enough, more joy in one ordinary day than they get in all their shopping sprees. At day’s end I’m ready for sound sleep, For you, God, have put my life back together.

That really does express the meaning well.

8

I sleep peacefully and soundly because You, Great I AM, keep me safe.

Psalm 3

1

A song of David when he ran away from his son Absalom: 

O Great I AM! So many have become my enemies! So many have turned against me!

The book of Samuel tells us Absalom thought about chasing David with only 12,000, and that 20,000 on Absalom's side were lost in battle. It must have been some force going against David!

2

They talk about me, saying, "Even God won't help him."

Selah

We have no idea what "selah" means. It appears to be some sort of musical term, but there are good arguments for it meaning anything from "pause in silence" to "play very loudly" to "change keys" to "the string instruments play a solo here." We just don't know.

3

But You, Great I AM, are a shield around me, my glory and honor, the One who removes my shame, so I can hold my head up 

I took a bit liberty with this verse's translation. It literally says "the lifter of my head," which, in modern English, is a tiny bit vague. 2 Samuel 15:30 tells us David ran away from Absalom with his head bowed in shame. Now, David is giving God credit for removing his shame so he can hold his head up in public again. He "is the lifter of David's head."

4

I cry to You out loud, I AM, and You hear me from Your holy hill. Selah 

5

So I can sleep peacefully and wake up in the morning (refreshed), because you, I AM, take care of me.

The original doesn't have any words equal to "refreshed," but it fits the context. It conveys David's trust in the Lord.

6

I will not be afraid of the tens of thousands of enemies who surround me.

7

Rise up, O Great I AM! Save me, my God! Punch my enemies in the face! Break the wicked's teeth! 

8

Salvation only comes from the I AM! Bless your people, God. Selah 

We serve the same God David did. He is just as available to defend us against our enemies.