In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Psalms 4:7-8 ESV
Peace (noun)
1. freedom from disturbance; quiet and tranquility.
synonyms: tranquility, calm, restfulness, peace and quiet, peacefulness, quiet, quietness; More
2. freedom from or the cessation of war or violence.
I read this scripture at a time when our world is so void of true peace. Everytime I read the news there seems to be another act of terrorism abroad or violence in our own streets. The times that we are living can be frightening.
When I had my first child I was so afraid to put him to sleep. I would wake up in the night and put my hand on his sleeping body waiting to feel his chest rise and fall. I was given this little monitor that attached to his diaper. The monitor would beep if it didn’t sense breathing. I think that actually put more fear into me because a few times it slipped of his little diaper and the beeping rung through the house. I rushed to him only to find a peacefully sleeping baby.
This world tries to give us synthetic peace like an alarm for babies and locks on our doors and windows. All of these are made provisions for attempted prevention of disasters. All these things attempt to put “peace” in our lives, but in reality we can be a moment away from events that are completely out of our control. On the contrary, God gives this amazing gift of true peace. He gives it abundantly. In an uncertain world we have a rock. We have a sure foundation. He does not promise that trials will not come, but he promises never to leave and that is a peace that no one can take away.
“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8 ESV
Lord, whatever is in front of me today let me rest in your peace. I do not know what today will bring or what tomorrow holds, but you hold my future and my heart. Let me rest in that complete peace.
That Could Preach 