“You have put more joy in my heart than they have (cynics and non-believers) when their grain and wine abound. In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:7-8
Heavenly Father, by the power of your Spirit, please grant us this same freedom and joy. Help us unhitch our joy-wagons from pleasant circumstances and people who “get” us. A pantry full of “grain and wine” might be nice, but a heart full of your grace and peace is better by far. We are grateful for the many creature comforts you give us. But we adore you for the acceptance and affection you lavish on us in the Gospel.
The culture (and the devil) will continue to throw questions like these in our direction: “Where is your God now? How can you say God is good? Where was your God when….? How could your God possibly…? Why doesn’t your God…?” May our heart response be, “When we lie down, it’s between the sheets of our Father’s sovereignty and everlasting love. His mercy is our mattress and his kindness our pillow. He grants us sleep, even though he never slumbers.”
There is no safer place, in life or in death, than to be in Christ. This doesn’t mean life is harmless, but it’s never hopeless. Not a hair can fall from our heads, not a breath can be taken from our lungs, and not a beat can be missed by our hearts apart from your will. And should we pass into your presence in the next hour, our hearts will forever proclaim, “Our God has done all things well!” Hallelujah for such peace. So Very Amen.
