Righteousness Offered to the Sons of Men

Isn’t it fascinating to see the connections between these first few psalms in the psalter? After David declares that he will “lay down and sleep” in the midst of his enemies in Psalm 3, the image of “sleep” comes again in Psalm 4. Here we see David giving thanks for relief amid distress, then sleeping “in peace” (vs. 8). Many of the hymns and psalms we sing this morning also speak of finding peace in Jesus’ loving care. We call Him “the Lord of peace” (Crown Him With Many Crowns) and express that we trust Him even “if [our] foundations be destroyed” (My Trust Is In The Lord—Psalm 11). We delight that the Lord provides a “peace that endureth” (Great Is Thy Faithfulness). “The peace of Christ” refreshes our hearts, smoothing our paths in the midst of storms and darkness (How Can I Keep From Singing). We take up David’s cry as our own at the end of the service, singing “in perfect peace now resting, I will both lie down and sleep” (Answer, Father, When I Call—Psalm 4). In a world that so dearly longs for peace, I pray that we will find a taste of the peace of Christ this morning. —Henry C. Haffner