In peace I will both lie down and sleep,
For you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
-Psalm 4:8
There’s no need to stay up worrying over the what-ifs. God offers peace. The Hebrew word shalom (translated “peace”) includes the concepts of contentment, wellness, and safety. Does this attitude seem impossible? In David’s life, this attitude is the result of rehearsing and meditating on the truths in verses 1-7. It is the Lord alone who provides safety and security, the same Lord who always hears the cry of His children. The same Lord who has over and again granted relief in a tight place. The same Lord who is the source of all that is truly good. It is His presence that gives joy and His presence alone that gives this unexplainable peace–allowing His child to lie down and sleep after committing everything to Him.
Children of the Heavenly Father
Safely in His bosom gather;
Nestling bird nor star in heaven
Such a refuge e’er was given.Praise the Lord in joyful numbers:
Your Protector never slumbers.
At the will of your Defender
Every foeman must surrender.
