Devotional Portion: Psalm 4:6-8
There are many who say,
“Who will show us any good?”
Lord, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us.
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.
There are many who say,
“Who will show us any good?”
Lord, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us.
Though we may have to face trials in our life, the One who sees us has a plan for us and He will never be silent forever. Though doubts creep in, though you feel like giving up, His light will brighten your path and He will lead you through the way everlasting. David asks a favor from GOD, “Lift up the light of Your countenance (a person’s face or facial expression) upon us.” In other words, we can say that David is asking for direction from the face of the LORD. “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.” Psalm 32:8. The one who trusts GOD always waits upon GOD’s direction. If we feel weary while waiting, it means that our level of trust in GOD has reduced over the days of waiting. “Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14.
You have put gladness in my heart,
More than in the season that their grain and wine increased.
As David sought His face, He put gladness in his heart. To be glad in a trial of life, one has to have divine peace within him. “They looked to Him and were radiant, And their faces were not ashamed.” Psalm 34:5. The gladness given by the LORD can never be taken away by the world and the world will see GOD’s hand working for us.
The source of a Christian’s joy must be GOD alone. The world around us may find joy when they have abundance, but a true Christian will be at peace even if his barn is empty and even if he is going through distressing times, as he has GOD by his side and He has put His gladness in his heart.
I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;
For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
When we trust GOD, He gives His peace that surpasses all understanding and this will keep our heart in peace to have sound sleep as well. Many find it hard to sleep even when they have everything in abundance as they lack peace of mind. Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27.
One true example of this verse is seen when Peter was in prison (Acts 12:5-17). He trusted GOD firmly and he knew that nothing of this world could thwart the plans GOD has for him. A saint will dwell in safety even he is in prison or in in the raging storms. The storms of this world can only try to take away the peace within, but the one who has strong roots in GOD will become more firm in his faith and dependency on GOD.
Sometimes situations may seclude us from everyone around, but as David said, “For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” David finds peace and safety in his solitude with GOD. The solitudes of our life are to draw us closer to Him, helps us to listen to Him more and it teaches us that He will never leave us nor forsake us.
Reflection: Seek His face when going through hardships. Have strong roots in Him and trust His promises as well. Find rest in Him rather than searching for it in the world.
