DWELLING IN DIVINE SAFETY

“I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O LORD, make me DWELL IN SAFETY” – Psalm 4:8

Paramount among God’s Promises for His people is the Promise of DWELLING IN DIVINE SAFETY: “I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O LORD, make me DWELL IN SAFETY” (Psa.4:8). David was a man after God's own heart because he recognized that God alone could be depended upon to relieve his distress, meet his needs, defeat his enemies, and multiply his blessings. Here, David was grieved at the abominable acts and vanity of the sons of men, who dishonoured God and blasphemed His holy name: “How long, O you sons of men, Will you turn my glory to shame? How long will you love worthlessness and seek falsehood?” (v.2). But he quickly rejoiced that the Lord had set apart for Himself who honour His name, obey His Word and trust in His unfailing faithfulness (v.3).

David wrote this psalm as he was about to retire for the night. He could not do much about the war around him, but he could do something about the war within him. Rather than lie in bed and worry, he committed himself and his situation to the Lord.

David asked (vv-1-3): Asking the Lord for help is still the proper way to deal with inner turmoil: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6-7).

David believed (vv.4-5): He faced his anger honestly and gave it to the Lord: “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath” (Eph. 4:26). Instead of lying in bed, brooding and complaining, we should seek the Lord, meditate and rest on His Word, and offer Him sacrifices of praise.

David received (vv.6-8): He valued God’s gladness in his heart more than material gains. In the darkness, he saw God’s face and received light. In the time of battle, he received peace. Even if God doesn’t immediately change the situation, He will change us!  

When we lay our heads on the pillow at night, the only security we have is God's presence. For all of our security systems, regular medical checks, savings accounts, insurance schemes, and pension plans, the only real peace comes from knowing that we will never face life alone. God will always be there with us. David understood this. As a soldier he carried weapons of war. As a general he marshalled armies. As a king he was surrounded by guards. But he knew that only God's presence was his true source of safety and security. 

Becoming a believer didn't erase all our problems or change the world to a rosy shade of pink, but it does put us in the lap of the One who protects, watches over, helps through life’s trials, and makes us better persons because of them.  

David found the secret of true and lasting joy, for his delight was in the Giver and not in His gift. He rejoiced in the One that blessed more than in the blessings. His reward was the Lord Himself and his heart-desire was that the pure light of God's countenance would fall upon him so that in peace he would both lie down in safety and sleep securely.

Do you love the Giver more that the gracious gifts that He has poured in abundance into your laps? Do you seek the Lord Himself in preference to the multiplied blessings and precious promises that are yours by grace through faith in Christ?

Do you utterly confess your dependence upon the Lord and unconditionally acknowledge Him to be sovereign in your life. Do you cast all cares on Him such that you can lie down in peace and sleep secure in the knowledge that He is in control?

We have scarcely scratched the surface of God’s Grace and goodness towards us in Christ. No matter what the day or night may hold we can rest and dwell safely in God’s divine protection!