I will both lie down and sleep in peace; for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety. Psalm 4:8 NRSV
I wish my childhood babysitter had prayed this verse over me rather than "If I should die before I wake...." which scared me so much I was afraid to go to sleep!
The thought that we both lie down to sleep and go to sleep in God's arms is both appealing and very relaxing. If God's in charge, what else can I do? If God preserves my safety, then I have no worries. This will allow me to sleep deeply and securely.
In fact, this is a verse to embroider on my pillow, I think! Or at least have it handy for those nights when sleep is elusive.
What is most interesting is that this is the closing verse of a psalm asking for God's deliverance from enemies. Danger is very real and all around. The psalmist is asking for protection and relief from suffering. The psalmist is reminded that God listens, God has set the faithful apart, and God gives us more joy than a feast. The person praying this psalm is also cautioned not to go to be disturbed or angry. Instead, lie down and think about what is concerning you rather than taking action. Perhaps the thought is that a solution will be provided by the morning - or at least the problem won't be causing such consternation.
In addition, this verse reminds us that it is God who allows us to lie down in safety. Safely is not provided by an alarm system or locked doors or even knowing how to shoot a gun. God alone can give us true safety so that only God helps us to sleep in that place of trust and rest.
Before you go to bed tonight, I invite you to pray/say this verse.
God, I will both lie down and sleep in peace tonight for you alone make me lie down in safety. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Showing posts with label safety. Show all posts
Showing posts with label safety. Show all posts
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Are You Really Safe?
The old man said, "Peace be to you. I will care for all your wants; only do not spend the night in the square." So he brought him into his house, and fed the donkeys; they washed their feet, and ate and drank. Judges 19:20-21 NRSV
We all want to feel safe.
That is why we live in gated communities, send our kids to private schools, get the security guard to walk us to our cars at work, put pepper spray on our key ring and a loaded pistol in our glove compartment. We take karate and self-defense classes. We shred anything with our address, don't open email from strange senders, and put child protection parameters on our internet access. We do background checks on employees, babysitters, and sometimes potential dates. Our passwords must be at least eight characters long and contain both letters and numbers (case-sensitive, of course). We hand over our bags at the airport, stripping ourselves of all unnecessary outerwear, and submit to metal detectors and searches. We don't carry our pocket knives into the courthouse and our kids better not bring any unusual utensils for lunch. In fact, their backpacks are clear and their lockers are searched regularly. We wear plastic gloves to serve food, provide medical care and take up the offering.
We want to be safe.
But safety is relative. There is always one more thing to guard against, to protect ourselves from or to keep from getting hurt. There is no end to the things we can do to try to keep ourselves safe.
Certainly, invite them in and offer hospitality, old man. But don't think you can really keep these visitors safe.
God, do you really want us to be safe? Or would you rather us be safe in your arms and with your spiritual protection? Maybe you want us to take more risks for your sake. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Question of the day: What is one thing you have done today that could be considered a risk?
Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims
We all want to feel safe.
That is why we live in gated communities, send our kids to private schools, get the security guard to walk us to our cars at work, put pepper spray on our key ring and a loaded pistol in our glove compartment. We take karate and self-defense classes. We shred anything with our address, don't open email from strange senders, and put child protection parameters on our internet access. We do background checks on employees, babysitters, and sometimes potential dates. Our passwords must be at least eight characters long and contain both letters and numbers (case-sensitive, of course). We hand over our bags at the airport, stripping ourselves of all unnecessary outerwear, and submit to metal detectors and searches. We don't carry our pocket knives into the courthouse and our kids better not bring any unusual utensils for lunch. In fact, their backpacks are clear and their lockers are searched regularly. We wear plastic gloves to serve food, provide medical care and take up the offering.
We want to be safe.
But safety is relative. There is always one more thing to guard against, to protect ourselves from or to keep from getting hurt. There is no end to the things we can do to try to keep ourselves safe.
Certainly, invite them in and offer hospitality, old man. But don't think you can really keep these visitors safe.
God, do you really want us to be safe? Or would you rather us be safe in your arms and with your spiritual protection? Maybe you want us to take more risks for your sake. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Question of the day: What is one thing you have done today that could be considered a risk?
Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims
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