APRIL 29, 2013
Overcoming
Bad News
Read: Psalm 4
Lord, lift up the
light of Your countenance upon us. —Psalm 4:6
“There
are many who say, ‘Who will show us any good?’” (Ps. 4:6). These words
of David
seem to describe the pessimistic outlook we so easily develop in our world
today. The front page of newspapers and the top stories on the Internet or
television
seem to focus on crime, accidents, politics, the economy, and
prominent people
behaving badly. Our conversations at work and home begin to
dwell on difficulties,
and it’s enough to discourage anyone. Where can we turn
for better news?
In
the midst of his troubles, David turned to the Lord, who relieved his distress
(v.1) and heard his prayer (v.3). Instead of hoping for temporary good from
altered circumstances, he found unceasing encouragement in God. “Lord, lift up the light of
Your countenance upon
us” (v.6). The result was a gladness of heart that surpassed
any earthly
prosperity or success (v.7).
Throughout
David’s life, before and after he became king of Israel, he was never
without
opposition. But at the end of the day, he could say, “I will both lie down in
peace, and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety” (v.8).
Pondering
the truths in Psalm 4 about God’s care for us is a good way to begin and
end
every day.
In His care confiding
I will sweetly sleep,
For the Lord my Savior
Will in safety keep. —Psalter
God is a safe dwelling place in life’s storms.
Source:
Our Daily Bread 2012
