I absolutely can not get enough of Psalms right now. The Lord is leading me through each one, verse by verse, revealing more of His heart with each line I dissect.
Here is the understanding the Holy Spirit revealed to me from my study this week from Psalm 4.
Hear me when I call, My Holy God. Deliver me from my trouble; be gracious to me as you hear my prayer.
How long, you people who oppose God, will you turn my honor from God into shame? How long will you love that which is hopeless?
Be assured of the truth that the Lord has chosen for Himself the ones who follow after His heart; when I pray, the Lord hears and delivers.
Admit that you are angry but do not rebel. Calmly and deeply consider these things when you lie down and do not continue in your rage.
Offer God obedience and praise and place your confidence in Him.
Many are doubtful or are seeking earthly pleasures. But your Gracious Love is truly what we need, O Lord.
You have given me joy and deep contentment, which do not change with circumstances.
I will rest securely on your promises. You alone, O Lord, are sufficient to keep me safe.
In the Psalms I find trust, praise, rejoicing, and unfailing love.
When I lay awake at night with racing thoughts, I find I am in need of trust, praise, rejoicing, and unfailing love.
The soft whir of the fan. The neighbor’s light tinging wind chime. The cat’s footsteps out in the hall. The deep sound of slumber from my husband. None of the night noises were enough to explain my inability to sleep.
But the constant barrage of thoughts could explain my insomnia. Replaying situations. Thinking about upcoming events. Rehearsing necessary conversations.
God’s loving nudge tugged at my heart and my Psalm 4 study time flashed in my mind: I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4: 8.
I sense the questions coming, “What have I called you to? What have I placed under your care?”
My response? Okay let’s see.
I have two beautiful daughters whom God blessed me with. Sleeping.
There’s the sweet husband the Lord has given me to encourage and help. Sleeping.
There are children in Sunday school and others at our co-op who God has so graciously called me to teach. Sleeping (at least for their parent’s sake, I hope they are!)
There are ministries in which the Lord has both called and equipped me. All currently at rest.
The Bible clearly states that we each have a calling. And God wants our faith to be active not lazy or hidden. But, He also has appointed times and seasons for us.
Lying in bed at night, He has called me to do none other than rest. Rest in His safety. Rest in His love. Calmly consider Him and TRUST, PRAISE, REJOICE, and mediate on His UNFAILING LOVE.
Thank you, Lord, for rest, sweet rest. You have called me to no more and no less than my particular calling from You. Thank you that I can rest securely on your promises. Amen.
Lisa Louise 