Psalm 4:8
I will both lie down and sleep in peace; for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety. Psalm 4:8 (NRSVUE)
At day’s end, I am ready for sound sleep, for you, God, have put my life back together. Psalm 4:8 (MSG)
It is easy for me to say that I feel cushioned and safe here in Lincoln, protected from war, suffering, hunger, and more (at least so far), though I am not unaware that that can change at any time; and I am not insensitive to the suffering of many here in Nebraska and elsewhere. Every day you and I are also bombarded with the news of the world which includes all of the above. So while most of the time I do “lie down and sleep in peace,” sometimes I don’t. How about you? Is it the news of the nation and the world that disturbs you? Or is it something else more personal that you struggle with that prevents you from sleeping “in peace”?
The psalmist begins with “Answer me when I call, O God of my right! You gave me room when I was in distress. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer.” (NRSVUE)
“When I call, give me answers. God, take my side! Once, in a tight place, you gave me room. Now I am in trouble again: grace me! hear me!” (MSG)
The book of Psalms is the one book in the Bible that anyone can turn to and find honest, intimate, personal cries to God. . . .If you are hurting, if you are angry, if you are frightened, if you feel guilty, if you are happy, if you are thankful, if you simply want to praise God, the book of Psalms is the place to go to find an expression of your feelings and know that God will accept them, no matter what.
Psalm 4 is a mixture of cries from the heart of one who is hurting, yet profoundly thankful and reassured that God is right there with him/her. It knows the pain of suffering, both personal and by others.
And I think Martin Luther wrote an Evening Prayer with this Psalm in mind:
I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that you have graciously kept me this day; and I pray that You would forgive me all my sins where I have done wrong, and graciously keep me this night. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen
Questions for Reflection:
- Take time to read all of Psalm 4, even in more than one version if possible. What word or phrase stays with you? Does it reassure you – or does it challenge you?
- When are you most likely to not be able to “lie down in peace” – and what do you do to resolve this?
- Verse 7 says that God has “put gladness” (NRSVUE) in the psalmist’s heart. How has God done this?
Prayer:
Gracious and loving God,
You are my Holy Comforter every day of my life. No matter what is happening, what I am feeling, whether I am frightened, or sad, or happy and at peace, I know You are there for me and that You are there for all others I bring before You, both friends and strangers. Keep me focused on You and Your loving grace always.
In Jesus’ name, Amen
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