Grow in Faith
Opening Prayer
Thank You, God, for Your solid trustworthiness and unfailing love in times of peace and in times of hardship.
Read PSALM 4:1-8
[1] For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David. Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer. [2] How long will you people turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods? [3] Know that the LORD has set apart his faithful servant for himself; the LORD hears when I call to him. [4] Tremble and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. [5] Offer the sacrifices of the righteous and trust in the LORD. [6] Many, LORD, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?” Let the light of your face shine on us. [7] Fill my heart with joy when their grain and new wine abound. [8] In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What truths about God create David's foundation of trust?Psalm 3, from last Sunday, is often called a morning psalm; this one is its corollary. At the end of the day, David can face the night of sleep to come–a time when everyone is vulnerable–with complete peace and trust in God, because he knows the only true source of any security is the Lord himself.I think he’s able to express things like that precisely because he’s been through difficult, dangerous times. (Some commentators suggest this psalm is a companion to Psalm 3, written in the same circumstances.) Whatever the case may have been, David has faith in God because he knows he can; God has been trustworthy before; he gives more joy than any celebration can provide (7), and experiencing God’s faithfulness leads to greater trust in him. In a different time and different circumstance, Paul, like David, lived a life which demonstrated such confidence in God. He defended his faith before important people who had the power of life and death over him, speaking boldly through storm and shipwreck, and bringing the Good News of Jesus Christ everywhere he went.
Apply
Ask God to help you live in the reality his light reveals, and to trust him throughout the twists and turns life brings.
Closing prayer
Lord, You are who You say You are and You can bring peace to the heart that trusts in You no matter how dark the night.
Click here to sign up to receive the EXTRAs via email each quarter.
© 2024 Scripture Union U.S.A. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited.
Discovery is published in the USA under license from Scripture Union England and Wales, Trinity House, Opal Court, Opal Drive, Fox Milne, Milton Keynes, MK15 0DF.