The Daily Devotional
Monday, February 26, 2024
Embracing Peace in Turmoil
Monday, February 26, 2024
Embracing Peace in Turmoil
I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the LORD sustains me.
Psalm 3:5
Introduction
In the stillness of night, when the world quiets down, our minds often refuse to follow suit. It's during these times that we, like Sal on the eve of his baptism, wrestle with haunting memories and scathing accusations. Psalm 3:5 says, "I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the LORD sustains me." This verse offers profound insight into finding peace amidst inner turmoil.
Reflection
On the threshold of his baptism, Sal was engulfed by a deluge of troubling memories and severe self-reproach, echoing a familiar internal conflict experienced by many during significant life transitions. His night, riddled with unease, epitomized a profound inner spiritual struggle, even as he embraced the concept of salvation. This ordeal shares a connection with the core message of Psalm 3, wherein King David, amidst a severe crisis, uncovers a crucial insight: it is through unwavering faith that one can find tranquility even in the midst of life’s upheavals. Particularly, David’s declaration in verse 5 of Psalm 3, which highlights that the Lord’s support allows him to both sleep and awaken amid turmoil, accentuates the transformative impact of faith in overcoming fear and unrest. In Sal’s journey, this principle is beautifully illustrated when his wife’s prayerful presence soothes his agitated spirit, encouraging him to express his baptismal reflections, ultimately guiding him to a serene slumber. This narrative serves as a powerful testament to the profound influence of collective faith and the solace found in the enduring care of God.
This theme finds historical roots in the life of King David, especially during the period of upheaval when his son Absalom attempted to overthrow him, a story detailed in 2 Samuel 15–17. Facing a multitude of adversaries, David’s plight, as expressed in Psalm 3:6, highlights his acute consciousness of the formidable enemies against him. He articulates his anguish with the phrase, "How many are my foes!" in the opening verse of the Psalm. Nevertheless, in the midst of potential despair, David sought refuge in God, calling Him his "shield" in the third verse. This demonstration of faith provided him comfort, allowing him to find restful sleep, secure in the belief that the Lord upheld him, a sentiment echoed in verse 5 of the Psalm.
Application
How can we apply this to our lives, especially during our own restless nights? Like Sal and David, the first step is acknowledging our vulnerabilities and fears. Then, we turn these over to God, trusting in His ability to sustain us. Whether it's the night before a significant life event, like baptism, or just another evening weighed down by the past, we can find solace in God's promise to sustain us.
Conclusion
Sal's journey and the words of Psalm 3:5 teach us a profound lesson: in our deepest struggles, we are never truly alone. God's unwavering presence serves as a bastion of strength and peace. As we surrender our fears to Him, He bestows upon us a rest that transcends mere physical sleep, infusing our very essence with a peace that reassures us of His unceasing love and support. In those moments when worries and life's trials cloud our minds, turning our calm into unrest, it's in prayerful communion with God that we find true solace. While the immediate tranquility experienced by Sal and David might not be ours at once, we are comforted and fortified by the promise that in God's care, we can "lie down and sleep in peace; for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety" (4:8), reinforcing our faith in His constant and comforting presence.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, in moments of restlessness and fear, remind us of Your sustaining power. Help us to lay down our burdens at Your feet and find peace in Your presence. As we face our own nights of turmoil, may we be comforted by the knowledge that You are with us, offering rest and renewal. Grant us the strength to overcome our anxieties and the faith to trust in Your loving care. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.
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Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA
The Bible texts are from New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Click on the image to delve into the uplifting and soul-stirring devotional…
In the stillness of night, when the world quiets down, our minds often refuse to follow suit. It's during these times that we, like Sal on the eve of his baptism, wrestle with haunting memories and scathing accusations. Psalm 3:5 says, "I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the LORD sustains me." This verse offers profound insight into finding peace amidst inner turmoil.
Reflection
On the threshold of his baptism, Sal was engulfed by a deluge of troubling memories and severe self-reproach, echoing a familiar internal conflict experienced by many during significant life transitions. His night, riddled with unease, epitomized a profound inner spiritual struggle, even as he embraced the concept of salvation. This ordeal shares a connection with the core message of Psalm 3, wherein King David, amidst a severe crisis, uncovers a crucial insight: it is through unwavering faith that one can find tranquility even in the midst of life’s upheavals. Particularly, David’s declaration in verse 5 of Psalm 3, which highlights that the Lord’s support allows him to both sleep and awaken amid turmoil, accentuates the transformative impact of faith in overcoming fear and unrest. In Sal’s journey, this principle is beautifully illustrated when his wife’s prayerful presence soothes his agitated spirit, encouraging him to express his baptismal reflections, ultimately guiding him to a serene slumber. This narrative serves as a powerful testament to the profound influence of collective faith and the solace found in the enduring care of God.
This theme finds historical roots in the life of King David, especially during the period of upheaval when his son Absalom attempted to overthrow him, a story detailed in 2 Samuel 15–17. Facing a multitude of adversaries, David’s plight, as expressed in Psalm 3:6, highlights his acute consciousness of the formidable enemies against him. He articulates his anguish with the phrase, "How many are my foes!" in the opening verse of the Psalm. Nevertheless, in the midst of potential despair, David sought refuge in God, calling Him his "shield" in the third verse. This demonstration of faith provided him comfort, allowing him to find restful sleep, secure in the belief that the Lord upheld him, a sentiment echoed in verse 5 of the Psalm.
Application
How can we apply this to our lives, especially during our own restless nights? Like Sal and David, the first step is acknowledging our vulnerabilities and fears. Then, we turn these over to God, trusting in His ability to sustain us. Whether it's the night before a significant life event, like baptism, or just another evening weighed down by the past, we can find solace in God's promise to sustain us.
Conclusion
Sal's journey and the words of Psalm 3:5 teach us a profound lesson: in our deepest struggles, we are never truly alone. God's unwavering presence serves as a bastion of strength and peace. As we surrender our fears to Him, He bestows upon us a rest that transcends mere physical sleep, infusing our very essence with a peace that reassures us of His unceasing love and support. In those moments when worries and life's trials cloud our minds, turning our calm into unrest, it's in prayerful communion with God that we find true solace. While the immediate tranquility experienced by Sal and David might not be ours at once, we are comforted and fortified by the promise that in God's care, we can "lie down and sleep in peace; for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety" (4:8), reinforcing our faith in His constant and comforting presence.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, in moments of restlessness and fear, remind us of Your sustaining power. Help us to lay down our burdens at Your feet and find peace in Your presence. As we face our own nights of turmoil, may we be comforted by the knowledge that You are with us, offering rest and renewal. Grant us the strength to overcome our anxieties and the faith to trust in Your loving care. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.
-------------------------
Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA
The Bible texts are from New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Click on the image to delve into the uplifting and soul-stirring devotional…
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