“I will both lie down and sleep in peace;
for you alone, O Lord,
make me lie down in safety.” Psalm 4:8
My reflection on this verse:
When my dog, Chester, and I hiked the C&O Canal trail, we could go for miles with few places to sit. If we stepped off the narrow towpath, there was sure to be a bountiful harvest of poison ivy nearby. If we sat down on the towpath itself, we were in danger of a Pittsburgh-to-DC cyclist crashing into us at high speed. Thus we were always grateful to reach a grassy area at an abandoned canal lock where we could safely eat lunch and relax (or nap). Today’s verse reminds me to offer God my gratitude for the comfort and safety of my home which I take for granted. It’s also an encouragement to join with volunteers who seek to offer shelter for families in need—such as Family Promise, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, and Habitat for Humanity.
Suggestions for our spiritual practice:
1. Take this verse with you, write it down and ponder its meaning for you throughout the day. What do you notice? What do you wonder? Is there an invitation from God for you?
2. Or read all of Psalm 4 to discover how this verse fits into the psalm.
3. Or comment with a photo of your own that illustrates this verse’s meaning for you.
4. Or do something in advocacy or volunteering that addresses the need for shelter in your community.
Tomorrow’s verse: Psalm 5:7
Brenda Holston says
Vs 7. You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine.
Hiking and biking does help me to appreciate something as simple as a quiet place to rest.