Safety. According to the dictionary it means “to feel protected from or not exposed to danger or risk.”
This year of the global pandemic has made us feel the opposite – unprotected and exposed to danger. With our lives at risk, we put safety measures in place (wearing masks, social distancing, hand washing, disinfecting surfaces, and vaccines) to create circumstances that will keep us safe.
Psalm 4 records the words of King David whose life at the time didn’t fit the definition of safety. He was in hiding with a band of faithful men because someone wanted his throne and therefore his life. With his life in danger, David had left his palace and throne and was living on the run. Each day brought an unknown threat to his life and each night brought the prospect of more to come tomorrow. Yet in those circumstances, he said:
In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.
David knew that his safety wasn’t in a hiding place or in his group of fighting men or in setting up a system of favorable circumstances. His safety was determined by the Lord who loved him and controlled his circumstances. With the Lord as the source of his safety he was as secure on the run as he was in his palace.
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You can have that safety, too.
This Psalm points us to another King: Jesus. He left his throne and faced danger and risk to his life. Instead of seeking his own safety, he offered up his life into death so that we might know the security of being forgiven and loved by the Lord. Now risen from the grave he rules all things for the good of his people and we are assured that nothing can separate us from his love.
In Jesus, you have a reason to say with David, “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
More Devotions in this Series
Are You Ashamed?
There's no reason to hide anymore.
Are You Lonely?
God isn't far away. He's right here.
Are You Depressed?
There's eternal light in Christ.
What's Your Purpose?
Does God have a plan for your life?
Who Are You?
God is faithful, even when we're not.