Safe in Him

You can be sure of this: The Lord has set apart the godly for himself. The Lord will answer when I call to him. . . . Many people say, “Who will show us better times?” Let the smile of your face shine on us, Lord. You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and wine. I will lie down in peace and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.Psalm 4:3, 6-8

In this psalm David proclaimed his faith in God’s ability to answer him when he called and to protect him even when he was pursued and slandered by his enemies. David’s experiences with God had taught him that he did not have to wait to praise God until he was enjoying “better times.” Though David was weary and may have been spending the night in a cave as he fled his enemies and didn’t know the outcome of the danger he was in, his trust produced joy that was greater than the joy experienced by those celebrating a great harvest. And he could then lie down in peace and sleep because he knew God alone would keep him safe. What situation or problem could steal your sleep and your peace and joy? Call on the living God, who will answer when you call to him. And remember that you can close your eyes and rest because God’s eyes never close. The One who never sleeps cares for you personally and watches over you.

LORD, thank you for setting apart each of us to know you and for answering when I call to you. Let the smile of your countenance shine on me this day. Grant me joy in Christ and peace in your presence, even before a turnaround or harvest comes. And when the night falls, grant me to “lie down in peace and sleep,” for you alone keep me safe.

TALK TO HIM IN PRAYER OF ALL YOUR WANTS, YOUR TROUBLES, EVEN OF THE WEARINESS YOU FEEL IN SERVING HIM. YOU CANNOT SPEAK TOO FREELY, TOO TRUSTFULLY TO HIM.François Fénelon (1651–1715)