Dwell in Safety

DEVOTION

PSALMS

DWELL IN SAFETY

 Ps 4:1-8

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. 2 How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods? 3 Know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD will hear when I call to him. 4 In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. 5 Offer right sacrifices and trust in the LORD. 6 Many are asking, "Who can show us any good?" Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD. 7 You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. 8 I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, Make me dwell in safety.

NIV

It would seem the psalmist is seeking the Lord for some relief of distress. We can know that God is always there to give us relief from any moments of anxiety, tension or distress. When times seem difficult we can seek the Lord and he will answer us. He will show mercy for that is who he is, that is his character. Some might what to point to how much wrath or vengeance he exacted on people in the Old Testament. Although that is true, he is still a merciful God. The idea of his wrath may be seen in this idea of men turning his glory into shame. It is God asking the question as to how long will man love delusions and seek false gods. It appears for a very long time since this psalm was written thousands of years ago and still men love their delusions and seek false gods. It also appears that anger can be an acceptable emotion only if we do not sin while having anger. That might only be the case if our anger is righteous. How can anger be righteous? To have anger about men loving their delusions, to be angry about men seeking false gods. That type of anger moves us, motivates us to do something about their delusions and false gods, such as being a light to them, being salt, being an ambassador to them, sharing the good news with them. It is one thing to be active and alive, living our faith out loud during our waking moments, but when we lie our head down at the close of the day, it is time to search our heart, and be silent, so we can hear the voice of the Lord giving us rest. God has set us apart for himself, he wants to speak into our lives words of encouragement, words of correction, words of wisdom and we need that time of silence so we can hear him. While we are so busy and active, even doing ministry, at times it is difficult to listen, but prone in bed, the day at its end, we can lie there and listen and he will speak to us. He fills our heart with joy, the light of his face shines upon us. He is glad we are his and that we have time together to talk. He gives us peace so our hearts are settled, content, for we know we dwell in his safety.