You collapsed on your bed after your most unpleasant day ever. It's not hard to recall what pushed you into the misery zone. But you might wonder if God was around when you were hurting. He was. And he is.

Psalm 4 doesn't say why King David wrote these words, but the shape of his problem isn't hard to detect. He'd prayed but hadn't received an answer. He'd waited for compassionate relief from distress, after being humiliated by people who don't worship God. He trembled on his bed, trying to figure out where he went wrong. He was so tired of people doubting God's goodness that he just wanted to fall asleep and forget the day.

David's head was spinning with frustration. His heart was thick with sadness. But he fought back with true facts. He reminded himself that God watches over his followers and hears their cries. His own shaking wasn't an excuse to sin in what he thought, said, or did. His pain was a chance to trust, look for God's shining brilliance, and enjoy the Lord's simple gifts. He could sleep peacefully because the Lord kept him safe.

When you feel overwhelmed, you can be sure you're not praying to empty sky. God was listening when you felt deep pain. He's listening now.