Psalm – Psalm 3 – 5
Crisis!
That is the word that we hear very often nowadays. Not just in the world with all the financial turmoil, wars, turmoils and disasters. And yet this word is not just confined to the global. On the invidual front, we too face personal crisis of lost jobs, troubled relationships and uncertainty.
In our life of faith, we also hear this word many times in sermons and bible studies.
Indeed, we struggle to find peace. We struggle to find rest.
Rest for our weary souls. Peace for our troubled hearts.
Today’s passage is of great comfort. And if we read it and keep these words of God in our hearts for the week ahead, I am sure, we will find serenity and comfort from the Lord that is beyond our understanding.
Bible Passage: Psalm 3 – 5
There are so many wonderful verses in these chapters that if I were to share all my thoughts on it, you will be reading for ages (already some of you have said that there is too much reading to do!)
But since today is Sunday… I am sure you have the time … so read on!
I am just going to talk about Psalm 4:8 –
“I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;
For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.”
Some of us are living in difficult times. One moment, everything is sunny and blue skies. The next, dark clouds loom and the stormy winds buffet us in all direction.
We never even knew what hit us. All we know is that now, we are ‘hantamed’ left and right.
So how do we maintain a sense of peace and balance when these trials strike?
The answer is found in one of the hymns. A sister recently remarked that most of the sermon speakers have chosen this hymn one time or another in the last couple of months.
It is Hymn 379 – Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.
So what is a hymn if we cannot hear it and sing along?
This hymn contains a vital and exciting truth: If we turn our eyes on Jesus – including the eyes of our heart – we will receive a peace that is unshakeable. A peace that the world does not know and cannot give. A peace that is beyond all our understanding.
When bad things happen to us we often wonder why? Then you start to wonder what kind of impact this has on your life?
These reactions are normal but we must also have another response. A response that the Psalmist David constantly shows us – turn to the One who holds all comfort and security firmly in His grip.
No one, outside of God, is able to handle our problems. And God never meant for us to be strong on our own. He wants us to find comfort, hope and strength in Him and His Word.
Have you read these words before?
Philippians 4:6 – 7
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
I am sure you have. So have I. Many times.
But when anxiety strikes, we sometimes forget these words.
That is why we need to read His Words daily. To constantly remind ourselves.
What would you give to experience the peace of God?
Are you willing to lay aside your anger that burdens your soul because someone had done something to hurt you deeply? (see 4:4)
God knows what you have been through. But will you trust Him in your quiet time, knowing that God has not forgotten about us and that He is ever ready to save and heal us… in His time.
Many a songs were written in the midst of pain and sorrow.
David, who wrote this Psalm also wrote in Psalm 91:1 –
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust.”
How could David write such words, especially knowing Saul and his enemies wanted to kill him?
David had a divine and unshakeable peace in his heart. He knew that God is his refuge and fortress and that He will protect his life.
Does something trouble you?
Do you face a conflict? Or sorrow? Or something that is beyond your control?
Hymn 367 is one of my favourite hymns.
Why should I feel discouraged, Why should the shadows come?
Why should my heart be lonely And long for Heav’n and home.
When Jesus is my portion? My constant Friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, And I know He watches me.
His eye is on the sparrow, And I know He watches me.
I sing because I’m happy I sing because I’m free
For His eye is on the sparrow, And I know He watches me.
Yes, I am sharing with you a video of that Hymn that I found on Youtube.
Sing along if you want to. I will be singing along with you…