Dwell in Safety

Psalm 4:8 “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.”

Background: All the psalms in book 1 (chapters 1-41) are attributed to David writing them (with the exception of 1, 10, and 33). Psalm 3 was written as a morning psalm when David fled Jerusalem after his son, Absalom, had taken over. It is believed that Psalm 4 was written during the same events making this month’s verse considered an evening psalm because of the verbiage.

How many of us have lie in bed at night unable to sleep because of something going through our mind? Obviously, at two in the morning, we cannot “fix” the problem. When David wrote this psalm, his life had been threatened by his own son, Absalom. David and his attendants crossed the Jordan River as they escaped and now were camped at Mahhanaim. Even David’s army had grown discouraged because of the lack of food and supplies. Add to all of this that Absalom is hot on their heels forcing David to possibly confront his son in a life-or-death situation.

Yet, David slept.

Not only did he sleep, but he was at peace. The Hebrew word for peace – “shalom” – means much more than the absence of conflict. Strong’s Concordance defines it as confidence, safety and soundness (in body), and fullness of life. In other words, he had no worries!

David had the peace “which passeth all understanding” (Philippians 4:7). He could sleep soundly because his trust was in the Lord; he was not moved by circumstances or feelings.

Charles Spurgeon preached on this psalm. Speaking on the last phrase of the verse, he said:
Note the word “only,” which means that God alone was his keeper, and that though alone, without man’s help, he was even then in good keeping, for he was “alone with God.” A quiet conscience is a good bedfellow. How many of our sleepless hours might be traced to our untrusting and disordered minds. They slumber sweetly whom faith rocks to sleep. No pillow so soft as a promise; no coverlet so warm as an assured interest in Christ.

Our faith is not always moving mountains. Sometimes its greatest demonstration is the ability to crawl in bed bed at night, pull our covers up, and sleep soundly.

David was in the will of God and knew he dwelt in safety. When we live in God’s will, we also can dwell in safety. This safety is not always from physical harm, but from financial stress, relational struggles, work issues…We do not have to carry these burdens alone. {See last month’s devotional on Hebrews 4:16.}

Dear Lord, I want to have both peace and sleep each night. Reveal any area of my life that I am not fully giving to You. Help me to trust You in every little detail. Thank you for providing a safe place with You. Amen.

Cross references: Psalm 3:5; 2 Samuel 15-18 (backstory); Leviticus 25:18; Job 11:19