Sunday 19th April
Read Psalm 4:7-8
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.
The psalm began as a prayer of complaint but finally turns to expression of joy, peace, contentment and rest. Having considered his situation and God’s character and remembered God’s past actions David can sleep peacefully on this evening (the morning/evening prayer pattern extends to Psalm 7). The harvest was a time of celebration, but such joy could be fleeting; God’s presence provided lasting joy. Because this was true, David can lie down and sleep in peace (shalom), he is secure, a security found in his expression of trust in Yahweh to sustain the godly. Has David given you some hints as to how to deal with anxiety induced by those who would falsely accuse and tell lies about you? Turning to God with honesty and coming to an understanding of how much you are loved by God as you pray and listen too his words is certain to help sleeping patterns!
Geoff Hinch
