Godly Peace

"Know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; The Lord will hear when I call to him. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety."
Psalm 4:3&8

King David knew something about God. I believe David's relationship with God became special long before he was anointed to be king of Israel. I think that while he sat on the hillsides, watching the flocks by night, he experienced God in a way that few of his time did. He knew the God of peace, not just the God of war. He understood the tenderness of God and the protection that was his through him. He understood the importance of being in a right relationship with the God of Israel. When he wrote his songs, they reflected that intimate relationship that he had with God.
    David understood that God loved him and had claimed him as his own. When he prayed, there was a connection with God because he was a godly man. His life was built on one overriding mission; to honor, love, and fellowship with his God. He knew that he was set apart for God's pleasure. When he sang, played, or prayed, God heard him. David was content within that knowledge.
    David knew war. His call was to lead the Israelites into battle. They were to conquer nations, and he was the king whom God had chosen to lead them. His life was not always easy. He lived in caves, spent years on the run from his enemies, and suffered the failure of his own sin. Even in those difficult places, he still cried out to God with passion and sincerity. He understood that God's hand was always on him. Even if things looked difficult, if enemies surrounded him, or if the circumstance seemed hopeless, God was his security, his safe place, his strong tower.
    We should learn some lessons from David. We need to know that no matter how difficult things become, we belong to God. When we have this understanding, it will not matter what the day brings, we will rest in the safety of God when our heads hit the pillows. This is a peace that is not offered anywhere else. You can't get it from a rising stock market or a financial nest egg. This deep peace only comes from our relationship with God. He has set us apart for himself, he hears us when we call, and he provides such safety that we can lie down and sleep in his peace. Life may be full of trials, but the peace of God is ours, every minute of every day. Rest in his safety.