May 16 Daily Devotional

Be Not Afraid: A Meditation on the Fourth Psalm

Psalm 4

1 Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.
2 O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah.
3 But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.
4 Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.
6 There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.
7 Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.
8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.

Devotional

(continued)

The Assurance of God's Calling

Since it was of God's free grace that David had received the kingdom, he could boast against his enemies. He knew that his calling was of God's sovereign mercy and grace. What power on earth can frustrate His purposes? All the attempts at harm to God's saints shall be without success. God is against those who are against His elect. He is a faithful God, never forsaking His own work, but defending those whom He has once embraced.

There is indeed pity for the oppressor and desire for his conversion, but the evil doer should know that his defeat is sure. In God, His saints are victors over their foes, be they many or few, or ever so malicious.

Some would find the source of fearlessness in wealth, some in honor, some in palaces, and some in pleasure. The Psalmist found it in the favor and friendship of God. This comes when the Saviour's love is shed abroad in the heart. It is the Father's love brought home to our hearts by the Holy Spirit. It is more than a notion, it is a felt possession.

What child of God would exchange places with the prosperous man of the world? Such a barter would be selling an enduring joy and an eternal inheritance for a mess of pottage. The true child of God will not do it. In God's favor there is a gladness which no outward circumstance can buy.

When we view the fretful condition of worldly men we should be mindful that we shall never have undisturbed peace and joy until the favor of God is ours. And when only does God smile upon us? When He sees us in Christ Jesus through whose precious blood He has made peace and reconciled us to Himself.

One has well said: "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. O Lord, give us this calm repose on Thee, that like David we may lie down in peace, and sleep each night while we live; and joyfully may we lie down in the appointed season, to sleep in death, to rest in God."