June 16, 2022

The Almost Daily will be on Summer Vacation until August 8th. But fear not! You will receive a devotional each Monday through Friday from the excellent Mockingbird Devotional entitled Daily Grace. Enjoy! - Paul Walker

There are many who say, “O that we might see some good! Let the light of your face shine on us, O LORD!” You have put gladness in my heart more than when their grain and wine abound. I will both lie down and sleep in peace; for you alone, O LORD, make me lie down in safety. (Psalm 4:6-8)

Some people call this a “night psalm.” David, on the run from his enemies, must be having trouble sleeping, and for good reason! As the psalm opens, David calls out urgently for God to be “gracious” in hearing his prayer (v. 1).

As king and spiritual leader of Israel, David feels bound to instruct his subjects on how to get right with God. He cautions them about their deceitful words and rebellious anger, and he calls them to practice silent meditation as they lay on their respective beds (v. 4).

With all this drama going on, however, how will David ever get some sleep himself? Yet, as the psalm draws to a close, the same David who passionately seeks God’s intervention and vigorously upbraids his enemies now receives in his heart the spiritual equivalent of warm milk and cookies. David prays for the light of God’s face, and seems to get his answer as a God-given “gladness” nestles deep in his heart. Now, at last, David is finally able to roll over and sleep in peace (v. 8) under God’s protective hand.

[Larry Parsley, Daily Grace - Mockingbird Devotional Vol. 2]