Safe and Secure in God

(Theme: Selections from Psalms—Faith Set to Music)

“You have put gladness in my heart, More than in the season that their grain and wine increased. I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” –Psalm 4:7-8 (NKJV. Read Psalm 4).

We have looked at Psalms classified as “Wisdom Psalms.” Now we move to a new category called “Confidence Psalms.” There are eight, specifically Psalms 4, 11, 16, 23, 27, 62, 125 and 131. These teach us to trust wholeheartedly in God’s care. He alone keeps His people safe. We can trust His unconditional love and mercy, grace and provision.

Since September 11, 2001, America has been in a state of fear. Since the terrorist attack on the twin towers in New York City, we have felt that we are not safe anywhere. This near-panic condition has heightened nervousness and increased feelings of vulnerability. What can we do to restore a sense of peace and equilibrium?

David, who in his day had his share of enemies and lived in a state of unrest, wrote Psalm 4. Its theme is confidence in God’s ability to deliver. David is on conversational terms with God in this psalm. Ever reverent, he still can approach God and ask Him to hear when David calls, can praise him for relief and mercy. David can also cry out, “How long, Lord?” Then, almost as soon as he utters this lament, David reassures by the words, “The Lord will hear when I call to Him” (Ps. 4:3). David gives us some sound spiritual advice. “Be amgry and sin not. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, And put your trust in the Lord” (Ps. 4:4-5).

Naysayers ask: “Who will show us any good?” (v.6). But fortunately, because we ask Him, the Lord will lift the light of His face on us, He will fill us with gladness, even more than the fruits from a good harvest. Because He is with us, we can lie down in peace and sleep and know that God makes us dwell in safety. For the past three years, as I’ve lived alone, I have put this psalm of confidence into practice. And as a result God has put gladness (despite great sorrow) in my heart, has provided me with safety (even survival from major heart surgery and other ills), and has brought peace and sleep to a sometimes weary soul and body. The confidence God instills in me is greater than any earthly wealth. In fact, it is closely akin to heavenly security. Praise be to God!

c Ethelene Dyer Jones; Sunday, May 30, 2010