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. — Psalm 4:6–8
Light, gladness, peace, and safety — what precious gifts God bestows on His children. And this is only a small sampling of our faithful God’s generosity. But the four gifts David mentioned in today’s verses meet universal and timeless human needs.
Consider first the metaphorical battle between darkness and light. We can think about it in terms of lies and truth, blindness and sight, or confusion and clarity. Those who are committed to Jesus or are looking for meaning in life will always choose light, truth, sight, and clarity.
God’s countenance upon us provides the light we need and want.
God also puts gladness in the hearts of those who love Him, and according to David, this Heaven-sent gladness is greater than the contentment that a fine harvest of grain and a season’s good wine provide. Of course it is!
The warrior David also praised God for the gift of peace that enables sleep. Fueling that peace is the safety that results from God’s vigilant protection of His children.
Peace, sleep, and protection are lifesaving not only for soldiers on the battlefield but also for us amid the battles we face.
All praise to our God for blessing us with light, gladness, peace, and safety.
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Be at Peace
In the Lord I put my trust...
The Lord is in His holy temple, The Lord’s throne is in Heaven...
The Lord is righteous,
He loves righteousness; His countenance beholds the upright. — Psalm 11:1, 4, 7
What do you regard as the most pressing international issue today? The threat of war? Lack of clean water for millions of people? Environmental issues?
Which national matter do you feel needs immediate attention? The economy? Illegal drug use? The disastrous effects of too much social media? Homelessness?
What pressing circumstances do you face in your own life? A medical diagnosis? Aging parents? The challenges of parenting? Job insecurity?
Today’s psalm speaks to all three categories of concern and to every issue you identified. It emphasizes that God is on His heavenly throne, exercising His sovereign and absolute power according to His love, wisdom, and grace — yet exercising His divine power without violating our free will.
- If certain circumstances require you to make a decision, talk to the Lord about it.
He promises to provide wisdom (James 1:5), and He calls Himself our Good Shepherd (John 10:11). Whatever you’re dealing with or concerned about, you don’t need to face it alone.
Follow David’s example and walk in the steps of generations of believers who have gone before you. For any matter, whether it be international, national, or more personal, put your trust in the righteous Lord, who, from His heavenly throne, reigns over all... and be at peace.
Excerpted with permission from God’s Love for Today by Jack Countryman, copyright Jack Countryman.
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Your Turn
Did you know that light, gladness, peace, and safety are God’s gifts to you? No matter what battles you’re facing today, go with the Lord and walk with Him through it. He’s with you! ~ Devotionals Daily
