Thursday
Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer. How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?
Know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord will hear when I call to him. In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Offer right sacrifices and trust in the Lord.
Many are asking, “Who can show us any good?” Let the light of your face shine upon us, O Lord. You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
(Psalms 4:1-8, NIV)
The words of this psalm by King David are a prayer for “relief” in a time of crisis. David expressed confidence that the Lord would hear when he called to him and he exhorted his people to offer proper sacrifices and to trust in the Lord. Even though times of crisis are difficult and it was hard to find “any good” in trying circumstances, David warned against seeking “false gods” or loving “delusions.”
In both Psalm 4 and the preceding Psalm, David referred to the inner peace necessary for restful sleep. Whether waking or sleeping, we can trust in God’s care for us despite our circumstances. The principal theme is clear: God alone allows us to “dwell in safety” (v. 8). When, in Psalm 3, David called for God’s protection from his son Absalom’s troops, he expressed confidence that God would not only deliver him but bless him (3:8).
Peace with ourselves is only possible because of the security we have in the Lord. Yesterday we noted the connection between peace and good health; today we see the relationship between restful sleep, so critical for a healthy, vigorous life, and trust in the Lord. Peace with ourselves will never result from striving to be autonomous or independent of others, or of God. It will only come from dependence on the Lord.
Prayer
Righteous God, we thank you for hearing our cries of distress and answering our prayers. We praise you for who you are and what you have done. Teach us to trust in you so that we can live in the confidence that you are in control. Give us the refreshment that comes from restful sleep. Amen.