In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety

Psalm 4:8

Recently, I was jolted awake by a horrible nightmare, I couldn’t breathe.  I sat straight up in my bed, heart pounding, face clammy and the hint of an awful smoky smell.  Petrified, I ran downstairs to check my oven.  It was off and definitely not the source of the smell, and then I turned to see a frightening sight, dark smoke wafting in from my garage into the main house.  Just then, a kind passerby began desperately pounding at my front door, screaming, “Get up and get out, your garage is on fire!”

I find myself checking and double checking every burner, every outlet, driven by the trauma of what could have been if the event had not happened as it did; if I hadn’t woken up when I did; if the kind passerby had not seen the smoke and alerted 911.  Have you ever found yourself hyper-vigilant about a situation in your life?  Are you always worried about money or about your safety, about politics or about your future?  King David faced similar distresses in his life and cried out to God.  And this is how God responds: 

How long will you people turn my glory into shame?
How long will you love delusions and seek false gods
Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself;
the Lord hears when I call to him.

In other words, when will you people learn.  Stop worrying about these trivial matters, “I’ve got this.”  Stop seeking after other gods, I’ve set my faithful servants apart for myself and I hear them when they call.  God gave these words of comfort to King David, more than 2000 years ago, but they are still relevant for you and me today.  David finally confesses in verse 8: “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone (emphasis mine), Lord, make me dwell in safety.”  I see it now, God alone is my safety.  When the fire broke out, it was he who determined, “Not today!”  I can rest in his peace, knowing he has set me apart for himself and he hears me when I call for his presence in every area of my life.

What about you?  Are you willing to lay down your worries and fears and embrace his assurance?  He alone is your safety.

Loving and gracious God, your word reminds me that you will keep in perfect peace, those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you (Isaiah 26:3).   Today, I confess that you alone are my peace and my safety.  I’m leaving worrying behind, because you have already heard my call.   Amen.