The Peace of God in Stressful Times
Scripture Reading — Psalm 4
In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.
—Psalm 4:8
Several years ago I spent a week with my sister, who was dying of cancer. After a night of tossing and turning, she asked for a Bible verse that might give her peace of mind. Someone read Psalm 4:8 to her: “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.” That text gave her the peace she needed, and it became the text for her funeral message.
All of us need to experience the safety of the Lord—not only when we face death, but also in the daily challenges of life.
David, who wrote those words, knew all about the dangers facing us each day. He experienced much distress in his own life, and he knew there was no safety in life or in death without the Lord.
Perhaps you are experiencing some of the distress of Psalm 4. Perhaps you find yourself lying awake at night because of things that are happening in your life.
Perhaps you wonder about your health, your family, your job, your future.
Perhaps you dread what might come in the year ahead.
Turn to the Lord for the safety and security you need. He has promised to make us live in safety when we turn to him.
Father in heaven, be close to all who are experiencing the difficult challenges of life. Grant them the safety and security you offer through our Lord Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen.
About the author — Arthur J. Schoonveld
Rev. Art Schoonveld is a retired minister in the Christian Reformed Church. Before retiring in 2001, he served churches in California, Illinois, and Michigan. Since his retirement he has worked part-time for the denomination and has served as an interim pastor. Art and his wife, Anita, have four children and nine grandchildren.
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