April 17, 2015: Psalm 4

We encourage you to read this devotion three times a day.  Start in the morning and reflect upon the morning reflection question. Then in the afternoon, read it again and reflect using the noon question for reflection.  For the evening, take time to ponder how this has resonated with you in the day and reflecting using the evening question.  We offer a prayer with each devotion for you to pray or we invite you to pray what is in your heart.

Psalm 4

To the leader: with stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.
¹ Answer me when I call, O God of my right!
   You gave me room when I was in distress.
   Be gracious to me, and hear my prayer.

² How long, you people, shall my honour suffer shame?
   How long will you love vain words, and seek after lies?
      ³ But know that the Lord has set apart the faithful for himself;
   the Lord hears when I call to him.

⁴ When you are disturbed, do not sin;
   ponder it on your beds, and be silent.
     ⁵ Offer right sacrifices,
   and put your trust in the Lord.

⁶ There are many who say, ‘O that we might see some good!
   Let the light of your face shine on us, O Lord!’ 
⁷ You have put gladness in my heart
   more than when their grain and wine abound.

⁸ I will both lie down and sleep in peace;
   for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.

Reflection:

            What does it mean to be safe? What does it mean to be secure? We all have different perspectives, but mostly we do not want to have our life, family, and well-being threatened. Do we look with trepidation around every corner? Do we have fear throughout our day? The truth is our mind can torment us with our insecurity and feeling of being unsafe. We need to instead put our focus and fears to God in prayer. We need to life them up and seek to have God help us. For Christians our security comes from God. We are certainly not promised an easy life, or an unsafe life. For if we do follow the way of Christ, it does bring risk to us! However, Christ always promises to be with us and to give us aid, and when we do lie down, God will be there to give us safety and peace.

Reflection Questions:

Morning Question: When have you felt unsafe?

Noon Question: Have you ever conquered a fear?

Evening Question: Where does God’s peace need to be present in your life?

Prayer: God of grace and peace, we experience fear and danger throughout our lives, and often it can be overwhelming. We offer to you our concerns, insecurities, and fears, and ask that you bring about your peace that passes all understanding. Where there is hurt, bring relief. Where there is anxiety, bring calm. Where there is danger, bring your courage. May we experience your grace as we wrestle with our frailties. In Jesus name, Amen.