More Than Corn And Wine: The Secret Of True Joy Series

Title: More Than Corn and Wine: The Secret of True Joy

Text: Psalm 4

What makes for a good and happy life? It’s a question that echoes through every generation. If you listen to the world around us, the answer seems obvious. A good life is a prosperous life. It’s a bigger harvest, a rising stock portfolio, a successful career, a life filled with pleasure and possessions. The frantic, restless cry of humanity has always been, "Show us something good! Show us more corn and wine!"

Psalm 4 is a quiet evening prayer from a man, King David, who was surrounded by chaos. His reputation was being attacked, and the people around him were chasing after vanity and lies. Yet in the stillness of the night, as he reflected before God, David wrote this song. It’s a song that contrasts the world’s desperate search for happiness with the deep, unshakable joy of the believer. It teaches us that while the world seeks satisfaction in fleeting, material things, true, lasting gladness and peace are found only in the loving presence and favor of God.

I. A Confident Prayer in Trouble

David begins his prayer not with panic, but with confidence, even though he is in distress. His enemies are turning his "glory into shame," slandering his name and questioning his authority.

Yet his first words are an appeal to the “God of my righteousness.” He doesn't base his plea on his own goodness, but on God’s righteous character. He anchors his prayer in past faithfulness, reminding himself, “thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress.” He remembers that God has a track record of setting him free when he felt trapped.

He then confronts his adversaries with the secret of his security. He tells them, “know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.” David's confidence isn't in his own abilities or his royal status. It is rooted in his identity: he is one who has been chosen, set apart, and heard by the living God.

II. A Wise Prescription for the Heart

In the midst of this turmoil, David offers timeless, practical wisdom for how to handle a troubled heart. It’s a two-step prescription for finding calm in the chaos.

First, he says, “Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still.” This is a call to hit the pause button. When you are angry, provoked, or anxious, don’t lash out. Don't let your emotions lead you into sin. Instead, stop. Be still. Get alone in the quiet of your room and have an honest conversation with yourself before a holy God. This practice of reverent self-examination is the antidote to sinful, impulsive reactions.

Second, he commands, “Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.” The solution to turmoil is not just passive stillness, but active obedience and trust. It means choosing to do the right thing, even when it’s hard, and then consciously placing the outcome, your reputation, and your future into God's capable hands.

III. A Superior Joy for the Soul

Now we come to the heart of the psalm. David hears the restless, cynical voice of the world all around him. He quotes them: “There be many that say, Who will shew us any good?” It’s the weary sigh of people looking for happiness everywhere and finding it nowhere. They are chasing after more money, more success, more pleasure—more corn and wine—and still coming up empty.

In contrast, David offers a completely different prayer. He doesn’t ask for things. He asks for God Himself. “LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.” He wants to see God’s face, to know he has God’s smile, His favor, and His loving presence.

And when he receives it, the result is explosive joy. He makes this radical declaration: “Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.” This is a revolutionary statement. The joy that comes from a relationship with God is not just a little better—it is more than the greatest earthly celebration. The gladness of knowing you are loved and accepted by your Creator is a deeper, richer, more satisfying feeling than the happiness that comes from a record harvest or a massive financial bonus.

This superior joy leads to a profound peace. David concludes, “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.” Because his joy is in God, his security is in God. He can sleep soundly, not because his problems are gone, but because his Protector is present.

Conclusion

What are you chasing to find happiness? What is the "corn and wine" that you believe will finally make you feel satisfied and secure? Is it a career goal, a financial number, a relationship?