Slices
Prepare
Do you regularly get a good night’s sleep? Allow today’s psalm to speak to your heart.
Bible passage
For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David.
1 Answer me when I call to you,
my righteous God.
Give me relief from my distress;
have mercy on me and hear my prayer.
2 How long will you people turn my glory into shame?
How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?
3 Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself;
the Lord hears when I call to him.
4 Tremble and do not sin;
when you are on your beds,
search your hearts and be silent.
5 Offer the sacrifices of the righteous
and trust in the Lord.
6 Many, Lord, are asking, ‘Who will bring us prosperity?’
Let the light of your face shine on us.
7 Fill my heart with joy
when their grain and new wine abound.
8 In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, Lord,
make me dwell in safety.
Explore
Bad sleep affects many of us. Getting to sleep can be difficult; unpleasant dreams or the worries of the day can lead to wakefulness. David ends Psalm 4 with a simple declaration: ‘In peace I will lie down and sleep’ (v 8). Despite his many dramatic trials which would cause most of us to have sleepless nights, David claims to sleep in peace.
The secret to his peaceful nights lies in his conviction that the God of the universe hears him and answers him. David’s God is a personal one. When one reflects on this truth, the repercussions are enormous. The great King of the universe hears us when we call to him (see v 3) and takes an interest in our lives. If we hold to this conviction, it becomes natural to follow David’s next step and ‘trust in the Lord’ (v 5).
A path to a life lived in peace starts with the simple, almost childlike conviction that God cares for me; like a good father he has my best interests at heart. And if this is the case, I can live my life in abounding trust in him which, in turn, leads to a peaceful life; both during the day and the night.
Respond
Do you live a life of peace or chaos? Trust or anxiety? Ask God to help you see his deep personal care of you and enter into a life of peace.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Isaiah 29,30; Hebrews 1
Pray for Scripture Union
SU Nepal plans to hold follow-up Bible camps in Dadeldhura, Baitadi and Bajhang districts between 17 and 30 September. Please pray that many people will come to take part in the Bible study, with more hunger and thirst for the word of God.