Daily Devotions – The Source of Real Joy and Peace

Daily Devotions – The Source of Real Joy and Peace

Image by skeeze from Pixabay

 

Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:

 

Psalm 4 (ESV)
Answer Me When I Call
To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.
4 Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have given me relief when I was in distress. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer! 2 O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame? How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah
3 But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him. 4 Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah
5 Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the Lord. 6 There are many who say, “Who will show us some good? Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord!” 7 You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound. 8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

 

Why is David so confident in the Lord?

You are my God and protector. I look around me and see so many people who are unhappy. They search for joy and peace in all the wrong places. They chase after money, possessions, or success in pursuit of happiness, and can’t find it. Instead, they are left empty and wanting more. We have access to material possessions, prosperity, and luxury, but the rate of depression and suicides are increasing. You, Lord, are the source of real joy and peace. My personal relationship with You is my richest possession. With You, I have hope. You fill my heart with Your love and contentment. You guide my decisions to be generous and loving. As life gets tough and there are disappointments and pain, I am confident that You will protect me, just as David did. His life was threatened by a King, by his own family and his heart ached with the death of his sons. But in Your presence, his soul was renewed and his confidence in You gave him strength. No matter what I am going through, my soul is refreshed with Your presence. Only in Your will can I find eternal safety. I search for You and You hear my prayers. You illuminate my heart with Your kindness. Let me shine that same kindness on those who have dark hearts and are desperate for love, hope, and joy. Fill their hearts with Your presence so they too can be refreshed with Your joy and peace. Amen