Peace

Peace

I will lie down in peace and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.

Psalm 4:8

When I was in my early thirties, my husband traveled a fair amount for his job. I was not accustomed to being alone at night and found that I wasn’t sleeping very well. When I mentioned my situation to a friend, she related an experience I’ll never forget.

Theo and her husband were missionaries to West Africa—Americans living in a foreign culture. Security was an issue even when her husband was around, but when he traveled on occasion, she felt apprehensive at night. One morning while her husband was away on a trip, she awoke to discover that she had left a door to the courtyard not only unlocked but open the night before. After checking through the house and realizing that everything was all right, she reasoned that if God could take care of her and keep her safe when the door was open overnight, then she need not worry about being home alone. From then on when her husband was gone at night, she remembered Psalm 4:8.

We read in Mark 4 that Jesus and his disciples were in a boat on the Sea of Galilee when a fierce storm suddenly came up. In the middle of the storm, Jesus was able to continue napping. Why? Because he knew that God would care for him.

Are you experiencing storms in your life? Are any of your children struggling at school or with friends? Remember that God wants us to come to him for refuge. He is our peace. He is our security.

Father,

Instead of worrying and being fearful, may we run to you when we feel insecure, realizing that you want to give us your peace. Amen.