Day 33: Psalm 4- Peace and rest

To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.
 Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!
    You have given me relief when I was in distress.
    Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!
2 O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame?
    How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah
3 But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself;
    the Lord hears when I call to him.
4 Be angry, and do not sin;
    ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah
5 Offer right sacrifices,
    and put your trust in the Lord.
6 There are many who say, “Who will show us some good?
    Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord!”
7 You have put more joy in my heart
    than they have when their grain and wine abound.
8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep;
    for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
 
Meditation
Are you secure when you lay down at night to sleep? America is the most secure country in history with more resources for safety than can be described. But many go to bed with doors locked and house alarms set but no sense of security or joy in their hearts. This evening Psalm, a song by the sweet Psalmist of Israel (2 Samuel 23:1), is Scripture to give you shalom for sleep and security. (8)
 
God’s past faithfulness is the ground for present grace (1) so even with unanswered questions (2) we can be sure the Lord hears when we call to Him. In Christ we are set apart as His own (3), possessed by God. We can rest in His sovereignty.
 
Paul uses verse 5 as a backdrop for teaching in Ephesians 4:26 when he writes, “Be angry, but do not sin. Do not let the sun go down on your anger.” How can we be angry without sin, while there is injustice in our lives and the world? You must be secure knowing you are not in control- God is in control. And He is good. You can TRUST in Him (5). We find peace in His sovereignty.
 
Through God’s covenant faithfulness we choose blessing (verse 6 echoes Aaron’s blessing from Numbers 6:22-27) and find joy in our heart. God has given us the daily bread (7) and in Him we find Shalom for our sleep.  In God alone are we able to dwell in safety (8).
 
 Richly Dwelling
-Last night my sleep was insecure as my mind was racing with details for an event I am helping to host. I had no peace. This morning I was rebuked by this Psalm, repenting for my lack of faith in God’s Sovereignty. How about you- Do you lie down and sleep, with security? Why or why not?
 
-What do you need to let go of in order to grab the blessing God has for you in Christ? Do you want the peace found in Him?
 
-How has God been faithful to you in the past, increasing your confidence for His grace in the present? How does this remind you of His sovereignty and goodness, giving you security in Him?
 
Key Verse
8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.