Psalm 4:8. I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.
Aye mih people, today we’re on the usual Wednesday late bus, (smile) not the late late one like last week, for although I did stop off to do an errand after church, today I did not need a nap before writing the Bit! Glory to God! But I’m surely disappointed in the weather because last week it showed such promise of summer, while this week it’s reverted to spring-like behaviour; temps around the low double figures, and damp, windy, drizzly conditions. But I suppose that’s the crazy effects of climate change. Yes, climate change has become a very convenient excuse or scapegoat for any unusual happenings.
Anyway, today I’ve been led to look at Psalm 4, espousing Bruh David’s great confidence of ‘Safety in the Lord.’ He begins with this soulful, heartfelt call: ‘Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged (relieved) me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me (be gracious to me) and hear my prayer.’ (Ps. 4:1) Now that’s a cry many of us have uttered down through the years, and will most surely utter again if we live to a ripe old age. (smile) But it’s a very potent and necessary prayer. As the scholars put it: ‘the pious always petition for God’s benevolent attributes to be demonstrated.’
And why not eh? Our God clearly desires us to call out to Him for help when we’re in trouble and He takes great pride in helping us. But we do have to sincerely acknowledge Him in the affairs of our lives, if we expect His help. As Cousin Sol says in that wise and famous scripture: ‘Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct (make straight) thy paths.’ (Prov. 3:5-6) Now that’s the basis and reason we have for expecting God to hear our cry for help! We acknowledge His sovereignty and wise guidance.
And it’s interesting how Bruh David continues the psalm. ‘O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? How long will ye LOVE vanity (worthlessness), and seek after leasing (falsehood)? Selah.’ (Ps. 4:2) Now that’s a very good question, and one that’s rather appropriate to many of us in these trying and ungodly times! Yes friends, how long are we going to foolishly and unwisely continue to follow Satan and his lies, deceitfulness and ungodly deeds eh? We can all see that it’s only causing chaos, strife and disaster, which will lead to the eventual downfall of our world.
Let’s remember that Satan has nothing to lose, because he’s already been condemned to hell fire and damnation, with eternal separation from God. But we have so much to lose if we follow his sinful schemes, wiles and lies; our salvation and also eternal separation from God. And there’s nothing more important in this universe than salvation, and eternal life with God! So what’s it going to take to wake up our unwise brethren to the falsehood and dishonesty of Satan eh? And to help us understand the situation, Bruh David continues: ‘But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the Lord will hear when I call unto him.’ (Ps. 4:3)
And that is exactly what the Lord has done through Christ Jesus, as Bruh Paul writes to the Corinthians: ‘Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours.’ (1 Cor. 1:2) Yes friends, all who believe in Christ Jesus are set apart, sanctified by His grace and mercy for His holy work.
And this commentary offers an interesting explanation. ‘In Christianity, sanctification refers to the process of being set apart for God’s use, becoming holy or sacred. It’s not just an initial act of being declared holy (justification), but an ongoing process of growth in holiness and likeness to Christ. This growth involves actively participating with the Holy Spirit in spiritual disciplines like prayer and Bible study, as well as obeying God’s commands.’
So you see, we’re not to be doing the things Satan tries to tempt us into doing. Instead, we’re supposed to be doing like Bruh David says in the psalm. ‘Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah. Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord.’ (Ps. 4:4-5)
Wow! What wise and wonderful advice! Are we going to take it? Let’s hope so! For as Bruh David continues: ‘There are many that say. Who will shew us any good? Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us. This hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn (grain) and their wine increased.’ (Ps. 4:6-7) Oh my people, there are indeed many naysayers, many who doubt God’s goodness and even His very existence, but we know better, we know the truth; He does exist, is all powerful, all knowing and ever-present in the lives of those who sincerely LOVE and live for Him.
That’s why Bruh David could make this glorious and confident statement to end the psalm. ‘I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.’ (Ps. 4:8) And all God’s children said a loud, proud and grateful: ‘Thank You Lord!’ Yes mih bredrin, only those who sincerely belief in Christ Jesus can lay down and sleep in peace and safety, because our Lord and Saviour has promised to keep us in perfect peace, and He NEVER reneges on a promise!
That means we can joyfully go home declaring (chuh!!!) our Wednesday Wail letting the whole world know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
And, if we endure to the very end with Jesus, then we will enjoy an even more glorious future than we can ask or imagine. So, I implore us to use godly wisdom and stay with Jesus right to the very end, so that we can enjoy that wonderful future together! Much LOVE!
…true safety in this world….can only be achieved through…belief…trust in…and total surrender to Christ…
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