Text: Psalm 4:1-8
Memory Verse: “You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:7-8).
A king promised to give a prize to the artist who would paint the best picture of peace. Of all the pictures submitted, the one that won the prize pictured a thunderous waterfall flowing down a rocky precipice. Dark clouds threatened to explode with lightning, wind and rain. In the midst of the thundering noises, a tiny tree clutched to the rock and on that tiny tree was a little bird with her eyes closed, content and undisturbed by the stormy surroundings.
Being still in the midst of the storm is not an easy thing, but the Psalmist could say with confidence that, in spite of his distress, he would lie down and sleep in peace because God made him dwell in safety. Psalm 4 begins with David’s plea that God would have mercy on him and answer his prayers. He came to God honestly, facing the reality of threats all around, yet expressing confidence in God’s faithfulness.
God’s children can experience peace in the midst of distress when they take shelter in the arms of the Saviour, in spite of the surrounding storms. When we meditate on God’s word, focus on His greatness rather than the magnitude of our circumstances, we will find joy unspeakable, not because everything is fine, but because we know we have a God who sees, knows and would not neglect the distress call of His children. Faith in God means having peace, even when you do not have all the answers.
Prayer Points:
1. Father, rescue me from all my distress today. I receive grace to focus on You alone, irrespective of what is happening around me.
2. Father, expose every cover up hindering people from experiencing the saving power of Christ.