In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8 NIV

For those who receive God’s Holy Spirit, joy and peace are found even in the most difficult situations. Our peace does not depend upon favorable circumstances. It depends upon our faith and trust in God. Despite being surrounded by his enemies, David says, “in peace I will lie down.” He found rest and slept well because of his trust in the Lord.

David’s words credit God with his safety. The king had received the Holy Spirit when he was anointed by Samuel to become the future ruler of the nation. The apostle Paul reveals the fruit of the Holy Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23 saying, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. WEB”

I Will Give you Rest

Having received the Holy Spirit, David enjoyed the benefit of a spirit of peace. Instead of worrying all night about his perilous situation, in faith, he trusted God to deliver him from his trouble. As Jesus says in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. WEB”

The bible teaches that we are to humble ourselves and take our troubles to the Lord. We read in 1 Peter 5:6-7, “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time, casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you. WEB”

Casting our anxieties on the Lord, we receive peace. As Philippians 4:6-7 says, “In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. WEB”

Yesterday’s Devotional: The Spirit Gives Life