Sleep in Peace
Scripture Reading: Psalm 4:6-8
Psalm 4 is set against the backdrop of Absalom’s rebellion. David had fled the palace, leaving behind his people and possessions, and was in the wilderness with a small contingent of loyalists. Everything was against him. The armies he trained for war and his most reliable counselors had sided with his son Absalom in his plot to take the throne and the kingdom away from David.
Now, having found a place to camp in the wilderness, those who had followed David were beginning to question the wisdom of their choice. They wanted to see some good. They were becoming an unhappy lot, lacking in faith, and therefore, without joy.
David, in contrast, was full of joy. He had joy in his heart because his joy was in God. He didn’t condemn those who were without what he had. He prayed for them. “Lift up the light of your face upon us, O LORD!” This is an echo of the priestly blessing of Numbers 6:24-26…
The LORD bless you and keep you;
The LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
The LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
While others tossed and turned upon their beds, David not only lay down; he slept in peace because the Lord alone made him dwell in safety.
May we learn from David that the true source of joy, peace, and security is not in our possessions but in Christ alone.
